By Drew Terhall
Dailyadvocate.com
VERSAILLES — It was a difficult recreation for the Girl Patriots within the Prosperity Promotions Girl Tiger Traditional. After the sport was tied 28-28 within the fourth quarter, Tri-Village went on a 20-6 run to finish the sport and decide up the win over Willard on Jan. 15 at Versailles.
Head coach Brad Grey mentioned he would have favored to see the crew separate themselves earlier within the recreation, however they couldn’t hit pictures early. He additionally mentioned they came upon three to 4 hours earlier than tip off they’d be with out senior Bella Black.
The crew fought by way of some adversity to discover a strategy to get the job performed.
“We weathered the storm a bit bit. I believed we have been perhaps not at our greatest at first. We discovered a method in the long run, which is de facto vital. Particularly for a younger group,” Grey mentioned.
Each groups struggled early. Willard scored the sport’s first factors on the 3:48 mark. The Girl Patriots had a tough time getting the ball inside to sophomore Kynnedi Hager they usually couldn’t hit exterior pictures.
After being down within the first quarter, Tri-Village began to get to the free throw line and grabbed the lead that method. They have been 8 for 12 from the free throw line within the second quarter.
The Girl Patriots led 17-10 at halftime. To the beginning the third quarter, Tri-Village began to slowly lengthen their lead. Grey mentioned the protection helped generate some offense as they obtained out in transition.
“Our protection created some turnovers. Our penetration was a bit bit higher from mid third quarter and on. We have been capable of type of put strain on them. We nonetheless didn’t actually hit perimeter that a lot. However, we obtained a pair key ones once we wanted them,” Grey mentioned.
However, Willard hung in and made just a few pictures to inch nearer to Tri-Village as they made a small run to finish the third quarter.
As soon as Willard tied the sport, Hager began to take over. Earlier within the recreation, Willard swarmed Hager and both pressured her right into a turnover or pressured a go to reset the offense.
Within the fourth quarter, Hager was capable of maintain the offense in rhythm by passing the ball out earlier than the assistance protection arrived or completed across the rim. Grey mentioned Hager is the kind of participant to let the sport come to her after which as soon as she figures out how groups are guarding her, she’s going to assault and make her influence on the sport.
With Hager and the protection getting the offense going, Tri-Village broke open the sport and obtained the double-digit win.
Hager was named the sport’s MVP and led the Girl Patriots with 13 factors. Sophomore Tai Mize and freshman Kenna Wilcox every had 9 factors.
Grey mentioned it was nice to be part of this primary time occasion at Versailles. He additionally mentioned he enjoys enjoying in occasions like this that enable his crew to play in opposition to groups from across the state they don’t usually get to play. He hopes they’ll be capable to be part of it sooner or later.
“As you’ll anticipate, Versailles runs a first-class occasion. First time they’re having this occasion, it’s superior. They’re caring for the children, caring for the coaches. (There’s) a superb lineup of video games that I’m certain goes to be one thing that continues to get higher. I’m hoping we get an opportunity to be part of it once more sooner or later someday,” Grey mentioned.
The Patriots will subsequent play at Nationwide Path on Jan. 18 at 7:15 p.m. They are going to then have per week off earlier than they host Franklin Monroe on Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. Grey mentioned that will probably be a a lot wanted break as they will work out some issues if they’re nonetheless with out Black.
Contact Each day Advocate sports activities editor Drew Terhall at [email protected]
Originally posted 2024-01-15 22:33:41.