The Morrison Lady Eagles versus the Boyd Lady Broncos was a much closer game than the final score reflects. The huge defensive stand made in the third quarter by Morrison cemented a 32-18 win over the Lady Broncos.
Lady Eagle Lia Wright had an explosive second quarter as she dropped in 10 of her 13-point total. She was the go-to player on offense for Morrison and Boyd could not find a match-up to contain her.
The Lady Broncos were only down six at the half, 17-11, due to a highly charged surge in offense led by Wright. Gabby Monzon stepped to the free-throw line and hit 2-of-2 to extend the Morrison lead.
The third period is when Morrison made its move. The Lady Eagles turned up the pressure on defense and forced Boyd into bad decisions. Those decisions led to many of the points by Wright. The offense that Boyd had much of the first half was suddenly gone. Anna Jones was able to get a good look at a shot for the only two points scored by Boyd in the second quarter.
Lexie Whipple for Morrison got out ahead of the Lady Bronco defense and she connected twice in transition. Wright and Monzon combined for the rest of the third-quarter offense for Morrison.
Boyd was down but not out as the fourth quarter began. The Lady Broncos continued to make a run at the lead. Bella Stiles connected on both her free-throw attempts and sister Alaina Stiles connected on her second 3-pointer of the game. It was not enough to get the Lady Broncos within striking distance.
Monzon and Whipple continued to push the ball inside and they were rewarded for their efforts. They pair combined for the final six points of the game as time ticked off the clock and the buzzer sounded. Morrison defeated Boyd, 32-18.
The first half was not a factor in the outcome of the game. Rather, it was the high-powered offensive third quarter, matched with a defense that blanketed the court and corralled the Lady Broncos.
LADY EAGLE SCORING – Lia Wright 13, Gabby Monzon 9, Lexie Whipple 8, Brienne Kelsey 2
LADY BRONCO SCORING – Alaina Stiles 12, Anna Jones 4, Bella Stiles 2