LEWISBURG — The Tri-County North girls basketball team ran into two tough basketball teams in back to back nights, losing 53-23 to Union County on Wednesday, Jan. 13 before falling 85-27 to Tri-Village on Thursday, Jan. 14.
Against Union County, the Patriots dominated the first quarter, outscoring North 20-4. The Panthers tightened the score a bit in the second though, getting outscored 14-6.
They did “win” the third quarter 10-5, shrinking the deficit to 39-20 but Union County honed it in in the final frame, holding North to three points while tacking on 14 more points.
Cassi Stinson finished with 10 points, two assists, and four steals – posting eight of those 10 all in the first half. Sara Harris chipped in eight points while Riley Cruse added three and Shyana Baker had two on the night.
The next night, against Tri-Village, the Panthers learned why those Patriots were atop the Cross County Conference.
Tri-Village started out with a 12-0 won and never relented, outscoring North 22-4 in the first quarter and 23-7 in the second.
“They are a quick team and have good players with experience,” said North head coach Jessica Cherry. “(After the 12-0 run) we focused back towards our press breaker. Once we found the open spots we were able to attack the floor.”
But the Patriots were just too much for the young Panther squad, continuing to outscore North 26-8 in the third and 14-8 in the final frame.
“I started a bigger line up against TV focusing that we had to box and not let them get second shots. They are a well structured good team,” said Cherry. “We are still young but feel that the girls are gaining good experience playing against these good ball teams.”
Stinson led the Panthers once again with 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Cruse added a double-double for North, posting 11 points and 10 rebounds while Harris and Tiarra Alford both chipped in two points apiece.
North traveled to Preble Shawnee on Tuesday, Jan. 19 for a non-conference match-up and is scheduled to host Ansonia on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. They will also head to Bethel for another CCC match-up on Saturday, Jan. 23 at noon.
