(Creston) Creston escaped Atlantic’s late-game rally with a 67-65 win in a high school girls’ basketball game at Creston on Tuesday night.
Sam Dunphy and Kelsi Fields anchored Creston’s offense with 27 and 21-points, respectively. Haley Rasmussen led all scorers for Atlantic with 29-points, and Jada Jensen finished the night in double figures with 10.
Creston strolled out to a ten-point lead in the second quarter and broke out to a 51-39 advantage in the third stanza, but each time the Trojans battled back within striking distance.
The Panthers led 19-16 at the end of the first quarter, 38-33 at the half, and ended the third frame leading 51-42.
The Trojans pressure defense sparked a 15-3 run in the final period to tie the game at 54-54 on Rasmussen’s layup. Moments later, the senior guard banked in another close-range shot to put the Trojans up 56-54. But, the Panthers responded, outscoring Atlantic 13-9 down the stretch to secure the 67-65 victory.
“It came down to heart, and we are starting to see these kids buy into what we want out of them,” stated Atlantic Head Coach Dan Vargason. “We started to run and gun and made some adjustments, with a one-two-one-one defense. We’re not happy with the loss, but we never quit.”
Lauren Nicholas scored nine-points, and Tessa Grooms, who drew three quick fouls early in the contest, stayed alive and added eight points for the Trojans. Maycie Waters pitched in five points, and Taylor McCreedy scored four.
Rylie Driskell scored nine-points for Creston, Braelyn Baker, and Morgan Driskell each scored three-points, and Doryn Paup pitched two free throws for the home team.
The Panthers move to 2-1 on the season. Atlantic is 0-1.
