LEWISBURG – Tri-County North held a 16-14 lead over Preble Shawnee in the first quarter then added 19 in the second while holding the arrows to 7 for a 34-21 lead at the break. The Panthers would go on to win the game 62-49.
Tri-County North picked up their 5th straight win that started against Preble Shawnee back on January 3rd in a game they won 52-42.
It was in that game that Bella Cherry would become Tri-County North’s all-time leading scorer in girls basketball. Cherry surpassed a 1000 career points in the 4th game this year and then broke the school scoring record of 1100 points in their first game against Preble Shawnee.
Bella’s mom Jessica Spitler happens to be the coach for the Panthers and reflected for a moment after the game on her daughters career and achievements and how special it has been to be a part of it.
“Coaching Bella the last four years, she’s obviously been a key player, so it’s kind of cool as a coach’s kid to see the hard work pay off. I would be happy for any kid … but to coach your own and see them reach milestone moments makes it even more special,” Spitler said.
Bella not only has the all-time scoring record she also is the school leader in assist and steals as well.
Bella had 24 points in the second game to add to her career scoring record that now stands at 1208 and will go even higher with 8 regular season games left plus post season games to follow.
Cherry got off to a good start in this one scoring 13 points in the first half and got help from sophomore guard Mackenzie Woodrey who had 9 and Chloe Jackson with 8 points in the first half.
Preble Shawnee is in the midst of a 5-game skid and has struggled shooting the ball with a couple of close games including a 39-36 loss to Eaton.
The Arrows kept it close in the first quarter getting 8 points from senior guard Aubrey Unger, 4 from sophomore Jenna Dixon from the corner and a fielder from Josie Mondello-Garrett.
But shots weren’t falling in the 2nd quarter for Preble who got fielders from Lainey Hawley and freshman Bentlee McCain and another triple from Unger giving her 11 points at the half, but they would trail North 34-21.
The Panthers scoring pace slowed down in the 3rd quarter but still outscored the Arrows 12-8 to take their largest lead of the game at 47-29 into the final frame.
Preble Shawnee finally heated up in the fourth quarter outscoring North by five, 20-15.
They did it behind Unger who scored a career high 24 points with 13 coming in the period.
Preble Shawnee coach Anitra Roell saw some positives in the game especially late.
“I’m super proud of Aubrey Unger, she never quits and came away with a career high in points and also had eight rebounds, that’s a good game for Aubrey.
The hustle from Josie Mondell-Garrett was excellent and the play off the bench from Lainey Hawley was big as well doing a good job scoring a couple baskets and defensively did a decent job on Chloe under the basket,” Roell explained.
“We didn’t shoot the ball really well, but we didn’t quit, we just need to figure out how to get to the basket and play a full four quarters,” Roell concluded.
Tri-County North was led by Cherry with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 7 steals. Chloe Jackson had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds and Mackenzie Woodrey had a career high 13 points and 6 assist for the Panthers.
Tri-County North would defeat the Arrows for the second time in 10 days 62-49 to improve to 7-7 overall and 3-3 in the WOAC. North will back in action Thursday where they will take on the Dixie Greyhounds.
Preble Shawne now 4-9, 2-4 WOAC will look to get back in the winning column when they host Twin Valley South on Thursday.
Box Scores
Score by Quarters
14 … 07 … 08 … 20 – 49 Preble Shawnee
16 … 19 … 12 … 15 – 62 Tri-County North
Team Scoring:
PS – B. McCain 0-1-0/0 – 2, A. Unger 5-4-1/5 – 24, A Apking 0-2-0/0 – 4, L. Hawley 0-2-0/0 – 4, B. Tangeman 0-1-0/0 – 2, J. Dixon 0-2-0/0 – 4, J. Mondello-Garrett 0-2-5/7 – 9, Totals 5-14-6/13 – 49
TCN – J. Pinion 0-2-0/2 – 4, B. Cherry 1-8-5/5 – 24, M. Myers 1-0-0/0 – 3, M. Woodrey 0–5-3/4 – 13, L. Grieshop 0-2-0/0 – 4, C. Jackson 0-1-12/17 – 14, Totals 2-18-20/28 – 62
