Post Photo by Chris Siers Mashawna Ridley drives through the Tullahoma defense and scores. She led all scorers with 23 points.
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
LEWISBURG — It was by no means an offensive masterpiece for either Marshall County or No. 1 seed Tullahoma in the District 8-AAA semifinals.
While both offenses eventually found their groove, a 20-point third quarter by the Lady Wildcats ultimately proved the difference as Tullahoma took the 48-36 win over Marshall County.
The two teams combined for just three field goals in the opening frame, with Marshall County clinging to a 5-4 lead following the first period.
Baskets by Mashawna Ridley and Maggie Steely gave the Tigerettes a slim cushion by the end of the first period.
While Tullahoma leaned on its size advantage in the paint on the defensive end, a balanced effort offensively allowed the Lady Wildcats to take a four-point lead into halftime.
On the flip side, Ridley showcased her ability to get to the line and went 3-for-4 in the period, and also knocked down a 3-point jumper.
The balance and depth in scoring by Tullahoma continued to affect the Tigerettes into the third, with six Lady Wildcats scoring.
In the end, Rildey’s game-high 23 points wasn’t enough to overcome Tullahoma’s one-two punch of Lilly Melton and McLayne Bobo, who combined for 28.
As a team, Marshall County went 10-for-16 at the line, with seven of those made free throws coming courtesy of Ridley.
While the loss put the Tigerettes in the consolation game, Marshall County will hit the road for the first round of region play on Friday night.
Marshall Co. 5 7 12 12 — 36
Tullahoma 4 12 20 12 — 48
Post Photo by Chris Siers Jachelle Ridley goes up strong after hauling in a rebound.
Marshall Co.: Mashawna Ridley 23, Maggie Steely 6, Jachelle Ridley 3, Abreya Fisher 2, Demiyah Blackman 2.
Tullahoma: Lilly Melton 14, McLayne Bobo 12, Nijah Gibbs 9, Aubrey North 5, Isabella Liostrom 3, Faith Vincent 3, Elimee Shuran 2.
3-Point goals: Marshall Co. (4): M. Ridley 2, Steely 2; Tullahoma (5): Bobo 2, Melton, Liostrom, North.
Halftime score: Tullahoma 16, Marshall Co. 12
