Season highs from Thomas, Mounce pace Lady Tigers

IRONTON — Arcadia Valley efficiently shared the basketball to generate three 3-pointers from freshman Anna Thomas and four more baskets from junior forward Kimmy Clark during an opening 22-0 run.

The Lady Tigers kept visiting Fredericktown off the scoreboard for nearly nine minutes while forcing 24 total turnovers, and punctuated their regular season Thursday night with a 72-57 triumph.

Thomas erupted for a season-high 33 points while making 5-of-6 attempts from beyond the arc, and also collected four steals. Arcadia Valley (12-12) protected its early cushion by sinking 23-of-36 free throws.

Peyton Mounce also enjoyed the best scoring output of her junior campaign with 24 points in the victory. Her 17-foot jumper and subsequent layup off a turnover helped the Lady Tigers finish the first quarter ahead 19-0.

Junior forward Terra Helm snapped an 0-for-11 Fredericktown shooting drought with a 3-pointer, and netted 15 of her team-high 20 points during the second quarter to prevent a potential blowout.

Arcadia Valley achieved a maximum spread of 36-11 when Mounce finished a quick inbounds play, but Helm capped the first half with a personal 8-0 run, including a pair of deep triples from the right wing.

Fredericktown (5-20) threatened several times to draw within single digits after the intermission. A nice pass from Kara Lunsford to Brittany Wanner in a congested lane trimmed the deficit to 38-25.

But Thomas answered with a timely 3-pointer and caught an outlet pass from Sami Price for an ensuing transition layup. Mounce attacked the basket with a short runner moments later to restore a 49-27 advantage.

The Lady Cats were a solid 18-of-25 from the line, and crashed the boards for second and third chances during a 10-0 run that carried into the fourth quarter, and kept them within possible striking distance.

Anna Godsey scored her 11 points during a late four-minute stretch, hitting three 3-pointers in the process, and Fredericktown pulled within 61-51 when she knocked down two free throws with 1:53 to play.

Kimmy Clark tallied 12 points for the Lady Tigers, who have more than a week to prepare for their Class 3, District 3 contest against Scott City. The tournament will be hosted by West County High School.

Abby Clark grabbed nine rebounds for Fredericktown, which dropped its fourth straight decision. The Lady Cats will begin the postseason by facing Class 4, District 1 host Sikeston on Tuesday.

Fredericktown   0  19  16  22 – 57

Arcadia Valley  19  17  13  23 – 72

SCORING:

Fredericktown – Terra Helm 20, Anna Godsey 11, Abby Clark 7, Ellie Jensen 6, Kara Lunsford 5, Jessica Wilkerson 4, Bridgett Allgier 2, Brittany Wanner 2. 3-point FG – Helm 4, Godsey 3. (FT: 18-25)

Arcadia Valley – Anna Thomas 33, Peyton Mounce 24, Kimmy Clark 12, Kristen Williams 3. 3-point FG – Thomas 5. (FT: 23-36)