CASEY GEORG Special to the Press
MILANO — Halfway through their district schedule, the Thrall Tigerettes (14-12 overall, 6-0 District 27-2A) find themselves all alone atop the district standings following Friday’s 49-27 win over the Milano Lady Eagles (14-10, 5-1).
CeCe Walker scored a game-high 17 points, and Ashlyn Jarosek added 13, and a strong defensive effort in the second half proved to be the difference.
The Tigerettes held the Lady Eagles to five second-half points, and just one field goal, to secure the win.
Walker had the hot hand early, scoring seven in the opening period. But, Milano dropped in a pair of three-point jumpers and was able to keep it close, trailing just 15-8 after the opening stanza. Nevaeh Irvin added four points in the first quarter for Thrall, as well.
Thrall struggled from the field in the second quarter, hitting just 25% from the field, while the Lady Eagles hit seven of 14 shots from the field.
The 14-9 scoring edge allowed Milano to pull within two, at 24-22, by the half.
In the second half, as has been the case in many of their games this season, the Tigerettes’ defense completely shut down the Lady Eagles.
Milano managed a single point in the third quarter, and just four over the final eight minutes of the contest, while Walker scored 10 points over the final two periods, and Jarosek added seven, to help the Tigerettes pull away. Thrall’s defense forced 27 Milano turnovers, resulting in 25 points for the Tigerettes. This has been a trademark of the Tigerettes all season. A swarming defense that forces opponents into numerous turnovers.
The win was big for the Tigerettes. They now lead the district race by a game over Milano, and three games over third-place Thorndale, with an open date on Tuesday.
Milano and Thorndale will hook up in Milano Tuesday night in a critical game for both teams. The Lady Eagles took the first meeting 36-26, but the Lady Dogs are currently riding a three-game win streak. Thorndale will host Thrall on Friday in another critical district match-up.
