
NEW MADISON — The Tri-Village Lady Patriots earned a big win in girls’ basketball over Versailles on Saturday. The Patriots started the game hot and fought off several Tiger runs and closed out the game strong late to earn a 57-50 non-conference victory.
It’s no secret TV lacked size going into the contest because 6’2” junior Kynnedi Hager, a two-year varsity letterman for Tri-Village, transferred to Versailles after her sophomore year, leaving the Patriots with no player taller than 5’7” to go up against a Tiger roster with three girls over 6’1” including Hager.
The Patriots though, didn’t appear to be fazed by their lack of size, in fact they used their speed, quickness, and athletic ability to their advantage, jumping out to a 23-11 first-quarter lead by connecting on five – 3’s, two each from Mylee Bierly and Adalynn Hines and one from Tai Mize. Hines had 8 points, Mize 7, Bierly 6, and Kaley Brandon 2 points in the frame.

The Patriots continued to build on their hot start, expanding the lead to 31-13 before the Tigers roared back on a 10-0 run of their own to close the gap to 31-23.
Tri-Village was feeling it from the perimeter, with all five starters scoring at least one triple as Kenna Wilcox and Alexa Light got in the act. The team added four more in the second quarter and had a total of nine in the first half to take a 37-25 lead at the break.

Tri-Village coach Brad Gray was pleased to see Mylee Bierly and Alexa Light both hit some big threes in this game.
“We knew they were going to help off on our guards, and they might leave them open, so we told them to be confident shooting the ball when they had the chance,” Gray said.
Versailles picked up the intensity of defense in the second half and held the Patriots to just six points in the third quarter while scoring 11 to win the quarter, cutting into the margin and trailing 43-36 heading into the final frame.
Both teams scored 14 points in the final stanza, but the Tigers made it interesting. They rallied late in the fourth quarter behind Grace Osborne, who hit a couple of triples, with the last one cutting the lead to 53-50 with 1:35 left in the game.
Tri-Village maintained composure and finished the game out strong from the free throw line. They went 9-for-12, making four in a row in the stretch to preserve the win 57-50.
“I’m really proud of our kids for staying composed in those final minutes and making winning plays. Tai Mize took care of the ball and was a calm presence for the team down the stretch,” Patriot coach Brad Gray stated.

Versailles coach Tracy White said they wanted to get a win for Kynnedi, but they couldn’t rise to the occasion.
Although the Patriots lost the battle of the boards 30-16, they were able to overcome the loss of size Hager provided the previous two years by swiping 12 steals and delivering 13 heat-seeking missiles from distance to win the game.
Coach Brad Gray was pleased to get the win and welcomes the challenge of playing a great program like Versailles and feels like it’s a game that benefits everyone.
“They’ve (Versailles) definitely got the better of us more than we have of them,” Gray said.
“It’s a great game to have on our schedule. Not only from a competitive standpoint … but I think it’s a game Darke County wants to see as well,” Gray concluded.
Versailles was led by Taylor Wagner and Katey Litten both with 10 points.
Versailles falls to 11-8 overall and is 5-2 in the MAC, and they will play at St. John’s on Feb. 4 at 6 pm.
The Patriots were led by Adalynn Hines with 18 points (5-3’s), Tai Mize 15 points and Mylee Bierly 9 points (3-3’s).
Tri-Village improves to 15-5 overall and is 9-1 in the WOAC and will play an even bigger school on Feb. 3 at 6:45 pm at Sidney.
