Coming off of a season opening loss at Indian Lake, the Troy Christian girls’ basketball team hoped that a home opener against Jefferson would get them on the winning track under first year coach Tony Ferraro.
It didn’t take the Eagles long to answer that question last week as they dominated the Broncos 70-14 behind a game high 25 points from senior post player Hailey Peters.
“I thought we had a good practice the day before and concentrated on moving the ball and reversing the ball side to side and distributed the ball well,” said Troy Christian coach Tony Ferraro. “
“Hailey had 25 points and 10 rebounds, she was working on moving without the ball,” Ferraro added. “She started to realize backdoors and use her target hands. Our girls were looking for her.”
Troy Christian came out fast, building a 10-2 lead in the first two and a half minutes. Peters controlled the paint scoring six of the ten, while Kenley Blake and Kathryn Lee helped build the lead.
Jefferson battled in the opening quarter, as they cut the deficit to 12-6 with five minutes left in the opening quarter before Troy Christian controlled the rest of the quarter.
The reeled off 13 consecutive points including seven from Peters, to build a 25-6 lead and put the game away early.
Sara Earhart also added four points in the run, and when Peters scored early in the second period they built a 19-point lead.
Peters continued her dominance in the paint and when Blake recorded a steal and layup, Troy Christian led 32-8.
Jalyn Forrer also got into the act, as the sophomore buried a three and two ensuing free throws with 1:18 left, and the Eagles went into the half comfortably in front 39-11.
In the second half, the Troy Christian defense didn’t allow a field goal in the third period, and only gave up three points in the second half.
Cara Salazar and Blake both pushed the lead out in the third period, as the Eagles enjoyed a 57-12 lead heading to the fourth.
Also for Troy Christian, Lee added 15 points and 15 rebounds, Blake scored 12, Salazar dished out eight assists and Lavy had six.
“We are realizing who our girls are for each role, it’s a learning process,” Ferraro said. We talked about roles early in the year, and they are starting to learn things.”
“Kathryn did a great job going to the boards. She had seven offensive boards and that is important for us. She is coming back from an ankle injury and took pride in her rebounding more than he scoring.”