BY CASEY GEORG Special to the Press
BARTLETT — The Thrall Tigerettes (17-12 overall, 9-0 District 27-2A) grabbed a 15-0 first-quarter lead and never looked back. The Tigerettes rolled to a 47-23 win over the Bartlett Lassies Friday night.
After shutting out the Lassies in the opening period, Thrall fell into a business-as-usual style of play. Nevaeh Irvin dropped in a pair of fast-break baskets and, while the Lassies matched the Tigerettes point-for-point in the second quarter, Thrall still held a 23-8 lead at the half.
Avery Ochoa led the Tigerettes in the third quarter, scoring four points, while Brynn Leschber and Irvin each scored three. Thrall’s stingy defense held the Lassies to two baskets in the period and pushed the lead to 35-16 entering the final quarter of play.
Irvin tallied another five points in the fourth quarter. And, while the Tigerettes tallied just a dozen points over the final eight minutes, it was more than enough to seal the win. The defense played a key role in their victory, forcing countless turnovers throughout the game.
Irvin led the way with 14 points, while Ashlyn Jarosek added 13 points of her own.
The Tigerettes entered the final two weeks of district play with a half-game lead on the Milano Lady Eagles. Thrall will host Holland on Tuesday night, before traveling to Hearne on Friday. They will close out the regular portion of their schedule Feb. 6 when they host Milano. A second win against the Lady Eagles will secure the Tigerettes’ first district title in more than 10 years. A loss would force a playoff game with Milano to determine first and second.
