04 February 2012

Girls Basketball: Balanced Tigers pay back Wingers 66-58

Taylor Meyer
17 points, 15 rebounds
(photo by Jim Lindquist)

Four Farmington players scored in doubles figures and the Tigers made some clutch free throws down the stretch to earn a 66-58 Missota Conference win over Red Wing Friday night at Tiger Gym.

The Wingers defeated the Tigers 70-68 when the two teams met in Red Wing earlier in the season.

"This was a great team win," Farmington coach Sondra Chadwick said. "Everyone contributed. We had four players in double-figures. We played tough team defense, rebounded well and out-hustled them to loose balls. Most importantly, we maintained our composure when the game was on the line."

The Tigers jumped to an early 21-7 advantage and hit the halftime break with a 28-21 lead. A big factor in the first half success was the ability to hold Winger standout Tesha Buck scoreless.

"Dave White drew the assignment of guarding Buck and she played great defense," Chadwick said.

The Wingers made a strong second half rally and eventually tied the count at 47-47 before the Tigers closed on a 19-11 run.

"We hit key shots when we needed to and everyone on the floor calmly sank free throws in the final minutes," Chadwick said.

Sofia Chadwick
16 points, 4 assists, 3 steals
(photo by Jim Lindquist)

Taylor Meyer led the balanced Farmington scoring attack with 17 points and also pulled down a team-high 15 rebounds. Sofia Chadwick scored 16 points and added four assists and three steals. Isis Alexander and Mariah Mincke also scored in double digits with 13 and 11 points respectively.

Chadwick also praised the play of Allie Rice and Gabby White whom she said "gave us some great minutes defensively, rebounding and taking care of the ball."

"I am very happy with how the team is playing right now," Chadwick added. "We have balanced scoring and are making it difficult for teams to focus on just one player. The girls are playing with confidence right now and we need to continue to build on that through the last part of the conference play and take that attitude into sections."

Monday the Tigers (5-14; 3-5) resume Missota Conference play with a road game at league-leading Chanhassen. Friday they travel to Shakopee for another conference road contest.