A full-court press and a barrage of three-point shots helped Mercer County (Ky.) pull away from Republic in the second round of the Pink & White Lady Classic 70-41.
The Lady Tigers trailed 24-16 after one quarter, despite a hot shooting start by Mercer County. The Lady Titans made five three-pointers in the 1st quarter, eight in the 1st half, and 10 in the game.
Republic survived Mercer County’s initial assault, closing the lead to 24-18 early in the 2nd quarter. But the Lady Tigers missed a couple of point-blank shots that would have cut the lead to four, and from there, Mercer County went on a 14-3 run to assert control.
The Lady Tigers had the most success when they were spreading the Lady Titans’ defense and attacking the basket. But after Mercer County adjusted, Republic found itself forcing shots against bigger defenders in the paint.
“We’re not real consistent. We’ll play well for three or four minutes, then we’ll hit a stretch where we’re throwing the ball over the gym, missing some shots, and having some breakdowns defensively,” says coach Kris Flood. “I told the kids, chalk that up a little bit to playing a very good team, but, too, we could have competed a little bit better.
“Hopefully we can bounce back. If we get two more (wins) this week and come out 3-1, I would be pleased, especially with the (tournament) draw we got.”
Taylor Fergen led Republic with 14 points. Allyson Barrett and Brylee Manes each had eight. Halli Bartelsmeyer scored five. Natalie Bennett chipped in three, Madi Beckham scored two, and Megan Branstetter had one.
Republic drops into the losers’ bracket, where they’ll play Springfield Glendale at 12:30 Thursday at Weiser Gymnasium.
Player of the Game
As the Lady Tigers tried to claw their way back into the game after a rough start, Taylor Fergen played a key role. Fergen had 11 of her 14 points in the 1st half, including seven in the 2nd quarter, and she was our Player of the Game.
Our Lady Tiger Player of the Game honor is sponsored by the Tricia Phelps team at Coldwell Banker, eager to help you own your own home. Check out their website – TriciaPhelpsTeam.com – to find out more about how you can stop paying your landlord’s mortgage and become a homeowner yourself.
