The Granger Lady Lions varsity basketball team edged Bartlett 54-53 in a back-andforth thriller Friday, Jan. 23, at Granger High School, securing a key district victory in dramatic fashion.
Sophomore forward Natalie Corona knocked down a clutch jump shot with 30 seconds remaining to give Granger a 54-52 lead, a basket that ultimately proved to be the difference. Bartlett had a chance to tie the game at the free-throw line with 10 seconds left, but missed the front end of a one-andone, allowing the Lady Lions to run out the clock.
Junior guard Navaeh Campos led all scorers with 14 points, providing a steady offensive presence throughout the night.
Granger fell behind early, trailing 4-0 before scoring its first points midway through the opening quarter on a 3-pointer from Campos to cut the deficit to 4-3. That shot sparked the Lady Lions, who went on an 18-10 run to close the quarter and take a 21-14 lead into the second period.
The Lady Lions extended their advantage early in the second quarter, pushing the lead to 26-16 after another 3-pointer from Campos. Bartlett responded with a surge of its own, putting together a 12-1 run to take a late 28-27 lead. Both teams traded baskets down the stretch, but Granger held a slim 31-30 advantage at halftime.
Granger came out strong in the third quarter, rebuilding momentum on both ends of the floor. The Lady Lions outscored the Bulldogs 12-3 in the period, stretching the lead to 43-33 heading into the final quarter.
Bartlett refused to go away, however, storming back with a 14-2 run in the fourth quarter to regain a 47-45 lead in the final minutes. Junior forward Jasmine Leamer tied the game at 47 with a pair of free throws. Campos followed with a 3-pointer, and senior Alexi Montagnino added a layup to give Granger a 52-48 advantage.
Leamer and Montagnino each finished with eight points, while senior Rylin Hamby also added eight for the Lady Lions.
Bartlett answered once more, knocking down four straight free throws to tie the game at 52 before Corona’s game-winning jumper sealed the victory for Granger.
With the win, the Lady Lions improved to 7-1 in district play, moving into first place. The victory also avenged Granger’s lone district loss, which had come earlier in the season against Bartlett.
Granger will return to action Friday, Jan. 30, when it travels to face Rosebud-Lott. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. at Rosebud-Lott High School.
