The trademark of Brian Upton’s Trenton High School girls basketball program, stifling half-court defense, was on full display on Thursday night, as the #7 ranked (MBCA Class 3) Lady Bulldogs took down the host Lawson Lady Cards, 40-20 in the semifinal round of the Lawson Invitational Tournament.
With scoring consistency a struggle for both teams through the game, Trenton rode the tandem of senior Whitley Richman and sophomore Ainsley Tolson to the win, as the NCMC signee Richman had a game-high 20 points while Tolson added 11, as THS improves to 11-2 on the season.
The first quarter was important for the top-seeded Lady Bulldogs, as a 12-2 lead early helped to keep the partisan Lawson fans quieted and quelled hopes of a Lady Cards upset win. Senior forward Geena Black led Lawson with 12 points.
The Lady Bulldogs, with the win, move into Saturday night’s (6:30) title game opposite the rival Penney Lady Hornets. Jordan Richman’s team, as a #6 seed, moved into the final with an upset win over West Platte, 53-38. A 19-7 advantage in the second quarter was key in the Hamilton girl’s efforts. Kassie Moore had 17 points in the win, while Nora Ford added 10. Nealie Niemeier had 14 points for the Lady ‘Jays.
In the girl’s consolation final at LHS, Richmond will play Gallatin on Friday night at 5 o’clock. The Lawson girls match with West Platte in an all-KCI Conference third place game at 8 o’clock.
