The West Central Trojans used a 40-28 scoring advantage in the second half to pull away from the Tri-Valley Mustangs and get a 67-51 win in Hartford on Tuesday, February 2nd.
The Trojans took the early lead in the first four minutes of the game. They lead 10-4, but the Mustangs ended the first quarter on a 9-2 run to lead 13-12 at the quarter break. West Central was able to regain the lead in the second quarter and took a four-point advantage into the locker room at halftime, 27-23.
West Central slowly pulled away from the Mustangs in the second half. They outscored Tri-Valley 20-10 in the third quarter to lead 47-33 heading into the final quarter. They then outscored the Mustangs 20-18 in the final quarter for the win.
Tri-Valley finished the game shooting just 27% (12-45) from the field and 35% (9-26) from the three-point area. The Mustangs took advantage of their trips to the free-throw line, going 18-26 in the game. West Central shot 45% (25-55) from the field, 36% (8-22) from three-point area, and 69% (9-13) from the free-throw line.
Three players finished in double figures for West Central. Cassidy Siemonsma had the big game with 34 points and eight rebounds. Addy Kramer had 14 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Cambell Fischer had 10 points and five rebounds. Rylee Haldeman finished with four points, seven steals, five assists, and three rebounds.
Tri-Valley was led by Tabor Teel with 14 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. Kaitlyn Mohnen had nine points. Paige Jewett had eight points and three rebounds. Blayne Gacke ended with seven points and four rebounds, and Steph Buchmann had six points, eight rebounds, and three assists.
West Central (12-2) will host Madison on Friday, February 5th. Tri-Valley (6-7) will host Dell Rapids on Thursday, February 4th.