The Tri-Valley Mustang girls basketball team started the 2022-2023 season with a road loss at Garretson on Tuesday, December 6th. The Blue Dragons built a double-digit lead in the first quarter and maintained that throughout the game in 47-31 victory.
Garretson took a 17-6 lead after the first quarter. They were able to extend the lead to 16 points, 28-12, by halftime. The Blue Dragons continued to build their lead in the third quarter, but Tri-Valley put together a rally at the end of the quarter to cut the lead to 36-25 heading into the fourth. The Mustangs had opportunities to cut the lead to single digits, but Garretson held Tri-Valley scoreless in the quarter until the 1:50 mark. By that time Garretson extended the lead to 47-25. The Mustangs scored the final six points of the game.
Tri-Valley shot just 22% (10-45) from the field, 27% (4-15) from three-point area, and 78% (7-9) from the free-throw line. Garretson, meanwhile, shot 30% (17-56) overall, 17% (3-18) from three-point area, and 83% (10-12) from the free-throw line. The big stat for Tri-Valley was 24 turnovers in the game, 20 of those on Garretson steals.
Lauren Grinde led the team in scoring with 13 points along with four rebounds, three steals, and three assists. Steph Buchmann had six points and two rebounds. Jaidyn McMillen had four points. Mattie Huwe finished with three points. Ava Pearson had seven rebounds, and Hillary Hastiings added five.
Tri-Valley (0-1) will travel to Parkston on Thursday, December 8th.
