NEW MADISON – The Tri-Village Lady Patriots were back in conference action against the Bethel Bees. The Bees used a swarming defense to keep the Patriots within reach throughout the game but in the end T-V had just enough inside power to take the conference victory 64-58.
In the opening quarter both teams had little trouble scoring, T-V used the inside game with Tina Allison and Kaley Stahl utilizing strong rebounding for second and third opportunities. Everytime the Lady Patriots made a surge Bethel responded mainly Megan Lewis who scored the Bees last seven points including a buzzer beater that pulled the Bees within two at 19-17.
The second period was more Allison and Stahl as both scored 6 each in the quarter with Brittney Bailey adding a free throw. The Bees got two points each from 4 different players and T-V’s lead grew to 34-25 at the break.
Coach Maples was pleased with the offense at the half. “Anytime we can score 34 points at the half I’m generally going to be pleased. Our girls showed some desire tonight on the offensive end, particularly rebounding the basketball. We had a number of second chance baskets on solid offensive rebounds.”
Bethel opened the third period with a couple of baskets on lay-ups until Allison got the PATS rolling with two inside at 5:40. Karli Dill followed with her only trey of the night and T-V held their biggest lead of the game 39-29. Another Allison basket and free throw along with a jumper by Dill at the buzzer ended the third quarter with T-V leading 44-37.
In the final stanza the Bees would mount a couple of serious threats getting to within two points but each time the Patriots would respond with a big play. The Bees swarming full court pressure was effective enough to give them chances. Early in the period they turned 3 consecutive Patriot turnovers into points and when Megan Lewis scored at 6:25 the score was 46-43.
Coach Maples called a timeout to try and regroup. The formula was to be patient in breaking the press and then go inside to Tina Allison. It worked the first time out but Bethel responded as Kenzie Klingenberg nailed a trey and the lead was now just two 48-46.
The two teams traded scores then senior Brittney Bailey sank a 15’ jumper followed by a huge three-pointer by Kassie Fisherback and at 3:38 T-V lead by seven 55-48.
The Bees again swarmed all over the Patriots on defense converting a couple of turnovers to get back to within three 55-52. However, the Patriots began to find success in beating the press down the floor and converting them into scores as they opened up a 62-52 lead with 1:21 to play.
Bethel still didn’t quit and got a quick score on a drive from Ashley Bennett. Then Tara Stidham was good on two free throws and the lead was cut to six 62-56 with 59 seconds to play. But the PATS were able to close it out as Brittney Bailey found Tina Allison once again inside for two and the PATS took an important conference win from Bethel 64-58.
“This was an exciting game for the fans to watch tonight, said coach Maples – maybe just a bit too exciting for me but I hope the fans enjoyed it.” “Bethel was a scrappy, quick team and they are better than their record indicates. They are a young team (playing three sophomores) that will only get better,” added coach Maples.
“I was really pleased with our offense tonight, but defensively we just didn’t get the job done. We didn’t move our feet and allowed penetration all night,” said coach Maples. “However, I do think we are getting better at handling the pressure, it might not seem like it but…we did score off the press late in the game and remember we are missing Addie Overfield our point guard due to an njury and we had some players step up.”
“I though Kassie Fisherback did a nice job and she made a big three late in the game. Tina just dominated inside (28 points) and our guards did a nice job of finding her and Kaley Stahl was huge on the boards tonight.” (15 rebounds, 8 offensive, 7 defensive)
“I’m happy to get the conference win our goal was to be 7-3 after 10 games and we are 6-3 due to the cancellation of the Tri-County North game and 2-1 in conference play so we are on track,” added Maples.
As a team Tri-Village out rebounded Bethel 39 – 19 but also had 8 more turnovers then Bethel.
Tina Allison led the way in scoring with 28 points followed by Kaley Stahl with 13 points. Karli Dill dished out 7 assists.
Scoring By Quarters
Tri-Village…19…15…10…20 – 64
Bethel……..17…...8…12…21 – 58
Tri-Village
K. Fisherback - 5
K. Stahl - 13
K. Dill - 7
B. Bailey - 9
T. Allison - 28
A. Frazier - 2
K. Barton - 0
Totals - 64
Bethel
K. Klingenberg - 10
M. Lewis - 21
M. Brumbaugh - 5
T. Stidham - 8
A. Bennett - 6
S. Campbell - 8
Totals - 58
