THOMAS
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Triad senior Tori Thomas made her season debut on Thursday after coming off an ankle injury as the Lady Cardinals downed West Jefferson, 45-21.
Thomas ignited Triad’s offense during the second half, scoring 11 of her team-high 13 points. A trio of three-pointers counted among her shots.
“It was really good to get Tori’s skill set back in the lineup,” said coach Jeff Merklin. “She makes a difference.”
The Lady Cardinals (4-1) hit only six-of-31 from the field during the opening half.
They were, however, able to lead 16-11 at the turn.
Triad went on a 19-4 run during the third quarter and coasted to victory.
“This is the best start Triad girls basketball has had in a few years and frankly all of the credit goes to my assistant coach Erica Trainer and the girls,” said Merklin. “Erica is the one who I look to establish the fundamentals and schemes of our defense. She simply does a tremendous job with her teaching skills and getting the girls to buy into how we want Lady Cardinal defense to be played.
“You don’t always have a good night on offense, but you have the possibility of always playing good defense,” he said. “So far, that’s been the key to our success, not only in shutting down the other team, but by creating offensive opportunities off of turnovers and contesting every shot.”
Triad will return to action with a home game against West Liberty-Salem on Monday.
Triad
Thomas 4-2-13, Ferguson 2-3-7, Vanninen 2-1-6, F. LeVan 2-2-6, Bailey 2-0-5, Lightle 2-0-4, Cauley 2-0-4. Totals 16-8-45.
Three-point goals: Thomas 3, Vanninen 1, Bailey 1.
West Jefferson
King 2-2-7, Lewis 1-3-5, Looby 2-0-4, Powell 1-0-2, Smith 0-2-2, Hiss 0-1-1. Totals 6-8-21.
Three-point goal: King.
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Lady Panthers fall
Fairbanks’ girls slipped to 0-4 on the season with a 50-28 loss to West Liberty-Salem.
The score was deadlocked at 10 after the first period.
Fairbanks, though, managed just four points during the ensuing quarter and trailed 26-14 at halftime.
The Tigers took a 38-22 margin into the fourth quarter.
The Lady Panthers, who did not attempt a free throw during the game, will host Northeastern Saturday afternoon.
West Liberty-Salem
Day 7-0-16, Hollar 4-0-12, Lauck 4-1-10, Weaver 3-0-6, Burton 1-2-4, Cole 1-0-2, Egtes 0-0-0. Totals 20-3-50.
Three-point goals: Hollar 4, Day 2, Lauck 1.
Fairbanks
Brackenridge 4-0-11, Wilson 3-0-7, Olson 2-0-4, Rowland 1-0-2, Walls 1-0-2, Writesel 1-0-2, Picklesimer 0-0-0, Wanamaker 0-0-0. Totals 12-0-28.
Three-point goals: Brackenridge 3, Wilson 1.