Sports
Rebounds Take Control to put Trimble over Federal Hocking
By: Steven Hernandez
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Backed by a powerful front and a pressing defense, the Trimble Lady Tomcats kept the Federal Hocking Lady Lancers from any proper production, keeping Trimble in a double-digit lead throughout the matchup. Trimble came out of Federal Hocking on Thursday with a dominating 51-33 win.
Nikki Kish and Morgan Murphy once again controlled the game for the Lady Tomcats. Despite a slow first-quarter start, Kish scored a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds to help keep the Lady Tomcats in a comfortable lead. Murphy also had a double-double of her own with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Lady Lancers, on the other hand, lacked consistency and the ability to finish. Throughout the game, Federal Hocking showed off its chemistry and ability to find accurate passes, but could not finish at the basket. The Lady Lancers even struggled on the free-throw line, highlighted by their inability to score a free throw on 3 straight occasions halfway into the first quarter.
Destiny Tabler led the scoresheet for the Lady Lancers with 8 points and 4 rebounds. Miranda Scott also contributed with 6 points and 7 rebounds.
The win marks a swing in momentum for the Lady Tomcats. Joe Richards, Trimble’s first-year head coach, was particularly proud of his team’s performance against Federal Hocking, admitting that “(Federal Hocking) played (its) best 32 minutes of basketball tonight.”
Richards has had his share of struggles in his first season as the head coach of the Lady Tomcats. From a delayed start to practice to a December full of breaks and absences, Richards has found it difficult to both solidify his game-plan and develop chemistry within his team.
Now, as the Lady Tomcats are finally over .500 for the first time since mid-December, Richards admits that the team’s confidence is building, and “we’re starting to hit rhythm” on offense. Richards is looking forward to making the most out of the final stretch of the season.
Trimble looks to continue its march to stay at a winning record at home against St. Joe on Saturday, as Federal Hocking will host River-Valley on Monday.