NATOMA-Mallorie Church scored 18 points as the Tescott Lady Trojans used a strong second half to get by Natoma 42-37 Tuesday evening in Northern Plains League action at the Natoma Elementary School Gymnasium.
The first quarter was close with the Lady Tigers jumping out to an early 6-3 advantage before Tescott fought back to lead 10-9 after the opening eight minutes. The second quarter was dead even with the Lady Trojans holding a 23-22 edge at the break. Natoma managed to grab a 27-26 lead early in the third quarter until Church put Tescott ahead for good with a bucket and Riley Still drained a three-pointer late in the quarter to stake the Lady Trojans to a 31-27 margin after three periods.
Natoma had numerous chances down the stretch to tie the game or take the lead but Tescott’s offensive rebounding proved to benefit them and Danika Pasley clinched the win with two free throws in the final 20 seconds to send the Lady Tigers to their sixth consecutive loss.
Candyce Engling, one of many seniors on both teams honored during Senior Night ceremonies led all scorers for Natoma (2-15, 0-10 NPL) with 20 points. Tescott (9-9, 4-7 NPL) won despite being outrebounded 28-25 but the Trojans controlled the offensive glass by a margin of 18-6..
In the Boys game, Tescott used balanced scoring to race out to an early lead and the Trojans were never threatened on their way to a 69-24 rout of the Tigers. Tescott led 23-6 after the first quarter and kept the momentum going throughout the second period on their way to a 40-16 advantage at intermission. Dawson Lee scored 13 of his game-high 22 points in the third quarter to help the Trojan lead swell to 57-21 and the fourth quarter was played with a running clock.
Joining Lee in double figures for Tescott (4-14, 2-9 NPL) were Carter Peters with 14 points, Rhett Robbins with 11 points and Austin Miller with 10 points. Javon Letsch led Natoma (0-17, 0-10 NPL) with 10 points.
Natoma is next in action on Thursday February 16 when they step outside of league play to host Western Plains-Healy. Then on Friday, February 17 the Tigers and Lady Tigers will continue their Northern Plains League slate with a road trip to Downs to face Lakeside.
