The last time the Tri-Valley Mustangs and West Central Trojan girls teams met was at the Region 3A tournament last year. The Mustangs upset the Trojans to advance to the SoDak 16 in that game. On Tuesday, February 1st, the Mustangs hosted the Trojans in a packed gymnasium.
The two teams traded baskets in the first quarter electrifying both crowds. The Trojans held a slim 17-15 lead after the first quarter. West Central only led by five points, 28-23, with 4:20 to play in the first half, but then went on a 9-0 run for a 37-23 lead. They pushed the lead to 43-26 by halftime. The Trojans continued their run in the second half. West Central outscored Tri-Valley 22-13 in the third quarter for a 65-39 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Trojans won the game 79-47.
Tri-Valley shot 40% (18-45) from the field, 19% (3-16) from three-point area, and 80% (8-10) from the free-throw line. Lauren Grinde had 15 points and four rebounds. Paige Jewett finished with 12 points and two rebounds. Hillary Hastings had six points. Ava Pearson added five points.
West Central finished 53% (29-54) shooting, 41% (13-32) from three-point area, and 67% (8-12) from the free-throw line. Rylee Haldeman had 29 points, four rebounds, two steals, and five assists. Addy Kramer had 23 points and 10 rebounds. Cambell Fischer added eight points.
The Mustangs will travel to Dell Rapids on February 3rd. The Trojans will travel to Madison on Friday, February 4th.