Plains girls down Lady Trojans, 49-31
<p>Aurora Becquart fouled under the basket 1 for 2 from the line second quarter vs. Plains. Plains defenders Jade LaDeaux, left, Jessica Thompson and Carley Vonheeder.</p>
The Plains girls basketball team used a strong second and third quarter to help them get past the Lady Trojans, 49-31, Saturday night in Troy.
Troy was able to keep up with the Plains Trotters early on, as they were down 7-2 at the end of the first period. Strong defense helped keep the game close early on, said Justin Young, the Lady Trojans head coach.
“We frustrated them early with our man defense which forced them to call a timeout early in the first quarter.” Young said. “It was the most intense game from start to end.”
Plains outscored Troy 15-7 in the second quarter, sparked by several turnovers by the Lady Trojans. The Trotters held a 22-9 lead heading into the locker room at the half.
In the third quarter, the Trotters created multiple turnovers and fast-break opportunities to increase their lead to 39-19.
The Lady Trojans offense was working more efficiently in the final quarter, made possible by a couple offensive rebounds by freshman Aurora Becquart who converted for some easy buckets under the hoop.
Despite the loss, Young praised Becquart for her performance on the night, leading the Lady Trojans with 13 points.
“Aurora had a great game,” Young said. “She was really impressive tonight.”
Troy picked up the pace in the fourth quarter, creating turnovers and converting them for some easy buckets. Troy outscored Plains 12-10 down the stretch, but the surge came too late to change the outcome.
“This was the girls’ best weekend of basketball,” Young said. “Plains is the best team in the conference. If we keep playing this style of basketball, we will be fine and dandy when the postseason comes.”
Troy freshman Allie Coldwell followed Becquart with seven points on the night. Senior Olivia Thomas chipped in four points, with junior Allie Brown adding three. Olivia Roach and Kaitlyn Downey had two points apiece.
Trotters Hailey Phillips led all scorers with 15 points.
The Lady Trojans will host Libby Jan. 30.
Plains- 7 15 17 10_49
Troy- 2 7 10 12_31