The Tri-Valley Mustang girls basketball team played even with Vermillion through the first two quarters of play, but a late second half run gave the Tanagers a 58-39 win on Tuesday, December 20th.
Vermillion held a 14-10 advantage after the first quarter, but the Mustangs rallied in the second quarter and tied the game 23-23 by halftime. The Tanagers started the third quarter on a 7-0 run to go ahead 30-23, but Tri-Valley battled to within two points, 32-30, by the midway point of the third quarter. Vermillion held the lead the rest of the quarter and was in front 40-34 heading into the final quarter. The Tanagers then outscored Tri-Valley 18-5 in the final quarter for the win.
The Mustangs shot 39% (15-38) overall, just 14% (2-14) from three-point area, and 54% (7-13) from the free-throw line. Vermillion was 35% (20-57) shooting, 25% (6-24) from three-point area, and a perfect 12-12 from the free-throw line. The Tanager defense also forced 19 turnovers, 12 of those on steals.
Ava Pearson ended with 15 points and six rebounds. Lauren Grinde had nine points, two rebounds, two steals, and five assists. Hillary Hastings and Madelyn Wenzel both had six points each.
