Dayton Girls Edge St. John, 40-33

DAYTON – The Dayton girls' basketball team notched its first victory Saturday night, beating a tough St. John team, 40-33, at home.

The Lady Bulldogs were led by juniors Shayla Currin and Sidney Andrews, who each had 11 points. Currin also pulled down a career-high 16 rebounds.

"I'm pretty sure that's the most rebounds by a player in a game in my time here," said Dayton coach Clayton Strong.

After trailing 12-8 at the end of the first quarter, Dayton came back to lead 19-18 at the half.

Strong said he was pleased with his team's play, though they still have room to improve. "They played hard, and that's what we asked for," he said. "But this game won't be making the highlight reel."

The Lady Bullogs shot a disappointing 12 for 62 from the floor. However, they outrebounded St. John, 33-29.

Dayton was missing two of their top players Saturday, including senior Madison Mings, who is out with a knee injury until January, and Jocilyn Fullerton, who had a previous engagement as Walla Walla County Fair Queen.

Strong said he was pleased with the play of the girls who are new to the varsity squad, including Alexis Wanlarbkam and Kianna Price. "They handled it really well," he said, "and I know they'll all play better as the season goes on."

Dayton traveled to Pomeroy Tuesday night, and will host Liberty on Saturday.

St. J-E 12 6 4 11 - 33

Dayton 8 11 10 11 - 40

ST. J-E (33) - J. Ray 2-7 0-4 4, Schmick 0-1 0-0 0, L. Dickerson 3-7 0-0 7, K. Ray 0-3 0-0 0, G. Dickerson 3-7 4-5 10, Glorfield 2-13 0-2 4, Corder 4-13 0-4 8. Totals 14-51 4-15 33

DAYTON (40) - Phillips 2-9 1-2 5, Andrews 4-13 2-2 11, Price 0-1 0-0 0, Becker 1-11 5-12 7, Wanlarbkam 1-6 2-4 4, Currin 3-17 5-8 11, Laughery 0-0 0-0 0, Bryan 0-0 0-0 0, Moore 1-5 0-2 2, Fortner 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 12-62 15-31 40

3-point goals- SJE (L. Dickerson). Total fouls - SJE 20, Day 16. Fouled out - none. Technical fouls - none. Rebounds - SJE 29, Day 33 (Currin 16)