Girls BB: Tigers fall to No. 8 New Prague

Sofia Chadwick 18 points, 4 assists (photo by Jim Lindquist)

The Tigers had their moments against No. 8 New Prague (3A) but in the end foul trouble, turnovers and costly defensive lapses were too much to overcome in a 60-45 Missota Conference loss to the Trojans Tuesday night at Tiger Gym.

"New Prague  was coming off of a big win over conference leader Chanhassen," Tiger coach Sondra Chadwick said. "They are playing some really good basketball right now.... I felt we were competitive despite our turnovers and lapses on the defensive end."

The visitors led by eight points at 29-21 at halftime and gradually pulled away over the final 18 minutes.

Two numbers jump off the game stat sheet, turnovers and free throws. New Prague outscored Farmington 21-2 at the charity stripe and the Tigers committed a costly 24 turnovers against the Trojans' pressure defense.

"When we handled the pressure well, we found open shooters," Chadwick said. " When we didn’t handle it, they (New Prague) capitalized on it."

As for the disparity at the foul line, the second year Tiger coach said it has been a recurring theme for her young squad this season.

"We just need to keep working hard in practice on proper defensive footwork," she said, "and the girls simply need to show more effort and energy on that end of the floor."

On the positive side, the Tiger backcourt continued to produce at the offensive end.

Abby Gallus 11 points, 4 assists (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Guards Sofia Chadwick (18 points), Abby Gallus (12) and Alica Hett (11) comibed to score all but four of Farmington's points. 

Gallus, coming back after missing several games due to illness, netted 10 points in the first half and Hett scored all of hers after intermission.

Chadwick, Gallus and Hett each dished out four assists and Hett came up with three steals.

The Tigers hit the floor again Friday night when they entertain Holy Angels in a Missota Conference game at Tiger Gym.