The Thrall Tigerettes varsity basketball team edged out a 44-41 victory over the Rogers Eagles on Friday, Dec. 13. The win improved the Tigerettes to 9-4 overall and 1-1 in district play.
The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both teams showcasing strong defensive efforts. Thrall set the tone early with a block by junior forward Cythnia Flourney-Walker while the score was tied at 1-1. Junior guard Naevah Irvin gave the Tigerettes an early lead with a layup to make it 5-4 in the first quarter.
Senior guard Sarah Laurence played a critical role on defense, recording multiple steals in the first quarter to disrupt the Eagles' offense as Thrall carried a narrow 10-9 lead into the second quarter. The Tigerettes extended their advantage to 16-11 after fast-break points from senior guard Kassie Jackson.
Rogers responded with a 9-4 run to tie the game at 20-20, but a layup from Flourney-Walker gave Thrall the lead heading into the third quarter. The Tigerettes relinquished the advantage in the fourth quarter as the Eagles surged ahead 37-34. However, Thrall answered with a decisive 10-4 run, with their defense stepping up in crunch time. Jackson sealed the victory with a game-winning block as time expired.
The Tigerettes will travel to Orlando, FL to compete in the KSA tournament on Dec. 18-22 before traveling to C.H. Yoe on Dec. 31 at 11:30 a.m.
Thrall Tigerettes junior forward Cythina Flourney-Walker posts up for the rebound in a 44-41 victory over the Rogers Eagles on Friday, Dec. 13. Photo courtesy of Larry Pelchat
