NEW PARIS — A 10-0 run to begin the game was all the momentum visiting Tri-County North needed to cruise to a 57-30 rout of National Trail in a girls’ basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 4.
North coach Jessica Cherry called her team’s performance its best of the year.
A 3-pointer from freshman Aubrey Stupp, just over a minute into the game, got things rolling for the Panthers, who led 15-4 after the first quarter.
Stupp, who scored a game-high 19 points, also grabbed 10 rebounds, had six blocks and five steals — while Megan Poling added 12 points, on four 3-pointers and handed out three assists. Cassi Stinson, who battled early foul trouble, finished with nine points and three assists.
National Trail was led by sophomore Evan Byrd’s nine points. Savanna Abner and Payten Laird each had six.
The Blazers struggled all game from the field, not making their first shot until the 4:11 mark of the first quarter. They only made three shots in the first half.
Trailing 26-11 at the half, the Blazers opened the second half with four straight points to make it 26-15. North answered with a 12-2 run to take a 38-17 lead and led 40-18 with 2:47 left in the third quarter.
Trail went on an 11-0 run during the final minute of the third quarter and first minute of the fourth quarter, to cut their deficit to 11 at 40-29.
North, though, closed out the game on a 17-1 run, holding Trail scoreless for the final 4:01, for the final margin.
North was scheduled to host Twin Valley South on Monday, Feb. 6, while National Trail (10-10) was scheduled to host Newton.
North was also scheduled to play at Stivers on Tuesday, Feb. 7, and will host Covington on Thursday to end the regular season.
Trail is scheduled to play at Miami East on Thursday to close out the regular season.
