LAKE HAVASU CITY — The Lady Kings were a step ahead, the Lady Knights a step behind and those two steps added up to an 28-point loss for Havasu.

David Bell/News-Herald Photo Havasu’s Ashlee Milacki (20) splits the Kofa defense of Jenna McKenna (15) and Kacey Nady during Monday’s game at Lake Havasu High School. The Lady Kings defeated the Lady Knights, 52-24.

Yuma Kofa defeated Lake Havasu 52-24 Monday at Lake Havasu High School.

The game was originally scheduled for Jan. 22 but was postponed over weather-related travel concerns.

Both teams struggled with making their shots early — the Lady Knights only sank two buckets in the first period, two three-pointers — so Kofa went to an aggressive defensive posture. Kofa’s full court press in the second period forced numerous Havasu turnovers and Kofa was able to go on a 10-0 run that gave the Lady Kings a commanding lead that was never again in jeopardy.

In the second half, Kofa went away from the press but Havasu continued to struggle with their shooting, getting just three field goals over the final two periods of play.

“I thought my girls played better in the second half than in the first. In the first half we came out slow,” said Kofa head coach Eric Krepps.

Kofa scoring was led by their frontcourt, as the guards were able to pound the ball down low against Havasu’s shorter defense. Ronnie Moreno scored 20 points followed by Amanda Garcia with 16. Kacey Nady added eight.

“I think what we saw tonight was a lack of practice. This is our third game in five nights and Saturday was the Winter Formal (Dance) so we couldn’t practice that day. It’s rough for any team to look sharp under those conditions,” said Havasu head coach Ted Darnell.

“I think Sayg (Day) gave us some good minutes, Whitney (Neubaur) gave us good minutes but we need Andrea (Collica) to keep shooting, even when the shots aren’t falling. And we need to drive the lane more, which will pull out the defense and let pound it down low to our posts and open up the shots for Andrea,” he said.

The Lady Knights have one more game before they can catch their breath and work out the kinks in practice. They travel to San Luis tonight.

In other basketball action: The Freshmen Lady Knights remain undefeated, defeating Kofa 58-19 Monday.

Brianna Vidovich scored 20 to lead Havasu, followed by Shlebi Hearring with 17 and Mykaela Smith with eight.

The Freshmen Lady Knights are 14-0 on the season going into tonight’s game at San Luis. The last time the two teams played — Jan. 15 at LHHS — Havasu won by three.

You may contact the reporter at dbell@havasunews.com.