CASEY GEORG Special to the Press
JARRELL — It was a bittersweet week for the Thrall Tigerettes. They played in the Jarrell tournament beginning last Thursday, and despite posting a 1-4 record against stiff competition, the Tigerettes (6-9) gained some valuable experience that should benefit them as the start of district play approaches.
“I thought we came together as a team in this tournament,” said Thrall Coach Katina Walker. “This was a great tournament. We never stopped playing in any game.”
The Tigerettes opened the tournament against a familiar foe, the Bosqueville Lady Bulldogs. Thrall won their first match-up, but the Lady Bulldogs were able to turn the tables in the rematch and topped the Tigerettes 41-35.
Kinley Hoffman led Thrall with 12 points, while CeCe Walker chipped in nine. Thrall led 11-4 after one quarter, but Bosqueville rallied to take the lead at the half and held on for the win.
In their second game, the Class 4A Sanger Lady Indians.
Despite a solid performance, the Tigerettes dropped a 30-26 game. Ashlyn Jarosek dropped in 11 points to pace the Tigerettes in the loss, while Sarah Laurence pulled down eight rebounds to lead Thrall.
On the second day of the tournament, the Tigerettes took on Class 4A Jarrell. The Lady Cougars outscored Thrall 16-8 over the final eight minutes of the game to pull out a 48-40 win. Jarosek and CeCe Walker each scored 12 for the Tigerettes. Walker added 11 rebounds, and Nevaeh Irvin pulled nine boards for the Tigerettes.
Against Austin Savio, the Tigerettes battled the Lady Eagles to a 14-all tie at the half, but the Lady Eagles were able to put some distance between themselves and the Tigerettes in the second half and posted a 37-33 win. CeCe Walker led a balanced Thrall scoring attack with 10 points.
Jarosek scored eight, and Avery Ochoa added seven for the Tigerettes.
In their final game of the tournament, the Tigerettes were finally able to break into the win column. Trailing 29-28 going into the fourth quarter, the Tigerettes rallied, outscoring the Gatesville Lady Hornets 10-6 in the final period to post a 38-35 win.
“We took some good shots that did not go in throughout the tournament, “ Coach Walker said. We also missed a lot of easy baskets, but we never gave up.”
Thrall was scheduled to play at St. Michaels on Tuesday, before beginning district play on Friday when they host long-time rival Thorndale.
