Lady Trojans advance to consolation final

PARK HILLS — Potosi prevented opponent Arcadia Valley from making a field goal during the first quarter, and reached the girls consolation final at the Central Christmas Tournament with a 52-27 win on Monday morning.

Junior forward Ashley Thompson tallied 14 points with eight rebounds, and Ashley Duncan knocked down three 3-pointers for the Lady Trojans (5-5), who will tangle with South Iron on Thursday.

Potosi looked inside for early baskets by Madison Smith and Emilee Gibson, who each scored seven points off the bench, and closed the first quarter ahead 16-3 when freshman Sarah Jacobsen swished a three at the buzzer.

Both teams committed nearly 30 turnovers, but the Lady Trojans were able to capitalize more often before the break. Thompson put back her own miss, then made a jumper near the elbow as the halftime margin reached 27-7.

Nikki Bone began the third quarter with a steal and layup, as Arcadia Valley (1-7) salvaged a stronger second half by creating points off turnovers while also breaking the Potosi pressure for open baskets.

Junior Janie Buck converted a three-point play after receiving a diagonal pass in the post, and Brittany Asher finished a 2-on-1 break with teammate Saga Barzowski to bring the Lady Tigers within 37-22.

But Duncan commenced the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer off an inbounds play, then dialed long range again before fouling out, as Potosi capped the action with an extended 12-3 run.

Asher paced Arcadia Valley with 11 points and five steals. Emilee Dicus grabbed a game-high nine rebounds for Potosi.

Arcadia Valley  3   4  15   5 – 27

Potosi  16  11  10  15 – 52

SCORING:

Arcadia Valley – Brittany Asher 11, Janie Buck 5, Saga Barzowski 4, Nikki Bone 4, Alyssa Waddell 2, Aubrie Durham 1. 3-point FG – None.

Potosi – Ashley Thompson 14, Ashley Duncan 9, Emilee Gibson 7, Madison Smith 7, Sarah Jacobsen 6, Emilee Dicus 5, Abbey Payne 2, Kelsey Fitzwater 1, Jordan Govero 1. 3-point FG – Duncan 3, Jacobsen, Dicus.

South Iron 52, Central 42

PARK HILLS — Tournament host Central saw three starters foul out during the fourth quarter on Monday afternoon, and could not prevent the interior strength of South Iron from seizing control down the stretch.

Taylor Colyott poured in a game-high 19 points and senior Lindsey Colyott posted a healthy double-double with 14 points and 17 rebounds, as the Lady Panthers pulled away for a 52-42 victory.

South Iron trailed by four entering the final quarter, but repeatedly stepped to the free-throw line during a pivotal 15-4 scoring run that reversed the momentum for good.

Taylor Colyott was rewarded with an easy layup when the Lady Panthers broke trapping pressure on three quick passes, and Renae Middleton widened the margin to 44-37 moments later with a 3-pointer.

Stacey Williams scored 13 points from long range to pace Central (2-8), which carried a 23-19 lead into halftime after the senior guard banked in back-to-back triples.

Riley Owens extended the difference with two quick jumpers to start the third quarter, and netted 11 points before picking up her fifth foul.

The Lady Rebels achieved their largest lead at 32-23 on a basket by Alison Fischbeck, but a widespread shooting slump over the remainder of the action spelled their sixth straight loss.

South Iron   9  10  10  23 – 52

Central  13  10   9  10 – 42

SCORING:

South Iron – Taylor Colyott 19, Lindsey Colyott 14, Samantha Warren 7, Renae Middleton 6, Bethany DeBoard 4, Amber Riggs 2. 3-point FG – Middleton 2, Warren.

Central – Stacey Williams 13, Riley Owens 11, Taylor Fields 6, Erin St. Gemme 4, Amanda Williams 4, Taylor Friend 2, Alison Fischbeck 2. 3-point FG – S Williams 4.