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LaPlata Takes Consolation Bracket Game From Tigers

 LaPlata Takes Consolation Bracket Game From Tigers

By David Sharp

LaPlata opened an 11-2 lead in January 21, North Shelby Tournament girls’ consolation bracket action and claimed a 53-43 decision over Brashear. The Lady Bulldogs led 13-4 after one quarter of play and held a 21-6 second quarter lead.

The Lady Bulldogs (7-3) took advantage of BHS turnovers and missed inside shots for a 26-11 halftime lead. LaPlata led 36-19 with 2:09 remaining in the third quarter when all conference senior Gara Curtis suffered an ankle injury and missed the remainder of the contest.

Brashear battled back from a 40-21 three quarter pole deficit with an 11-3 run. Stephanie Elsea tossed in a three ball pulling the Lady Tigers within a 49-40 deficit with 1:34 to play in the game.

Emily Heissler sank a LaPlata free throw with 1:30 remaining. Rachel Shahan rebounded the second try. Shahan was fouled and hit one of two free throws for a 51-40 advantage.

Macy Rogers pulled the Lady Tigers back to a 51-43 deficit with 45 seconds showing on the clock. LaPlata sank 14 of 58 overall for 24%. The Lady Bulldogs tossed in four home run balls.

Laura Tuggle led all scorers with 24 LaPlata points. The Lady Bulldogs were 13 of 23 from the free throw line for 57%. Brashear held a 31-28 overall rebound edge. Both teams dished out seven assists according to courtside stats. Gara Curtis led LaPlata with eight rebounds along with nine points.

“We came out and played hard. We played good defense and got a lot of turnovers,” said Lady Bulldog coach Jared Wood. “We executed well, especially early in the game. I thought we got a little too comfortable late in the game. We stopped making good decisions. I’m proud of my girls. They played hard and they got the job done.”

LaPlata held an 18-16 edge in total team steals. Turnovers were a large factor in the outcome. Brashear turned the ball over 32 times to 17 for LaPlata.

Macy Rogers led the Lady Tigers with 14 points and eight rebounds. Shelby Rogers scored eight points with nine rebounds. Emily Ladwig was saddled with foul trouble and finished with seven points.

Stephanie Elsea, Caroline Slavin and Sydney Slavin ended with four points each. Stephanie Elsea led the Lady Tigers with five steals. Abby McKim added two Brashear points.

“They didn’t quit. We keep making too many turnovers,” said Brashear coach Heath Schneider. “We keep shooting ourselves in the foot. We had 20 turnovers in the first half.”