Granite Girls win big, Boys still trying to find their way
PHILIPSBURG – The Lady Prospectors took charge early to dominate visiting Darby for the second time this week, while the Boys struggled to convert against a box-and-one from the Tigers.
Girls Varsity
Granite 65, Darby 26
From the opening tip off to the final buzzer, there was no doubt that one of District 13’s strongest teams was in full control. It started with Granite winning the opening tip and was highlighted by a season-best all around performance from senior Asha Comings who finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
“We just had a good week of practice and we felt really motivated,” said Comings of her night, When asked what might have got her ready for it, she replied, “I set some goals for myself … Doing good moves, passing better and team play.”
The Lady Prospectors held a commanding 25-10 lead after one period and 34-15 at halftime.
“The thing that was awesome tonight was that as they were trying to take some stuff away, other stuff was open and we just played really good team basketball,” said GHS Head Coach Brandon Piazolla of his team. “We don’t care who scores, we just care that we win. The girls are really buying into that … We just want to do what’s best for the team. The girls are playing awesome.”
Reece Pitcher had 13 points and Lucia Lee for Granite in the win.
The Lady Prospectors were outrebounded Darby 22-14 and held a decisive 20-35 margin in turnovers.
SCORING
Darby – 10/5/6/5 – 26
Granite – 25/19/17/4 – 65
Darby – Berry 2. Hawkinson 3, Mustafa 3, Schlapman 4, Wilson 4, Anderson 8
Granite – Lee 16, Cotton 2, Ward 7, Pitcher 13, Hill 2, Smith 6, Comings 16, Piar 2
Girls Junior Varsity
Granite 42, Darby 17
A trio of Lady Prospectors scored in double figures, led by Ramsey Smith with 13. Gretchen Hill and Kinzey Clark aided the cause with 11 and 10 points respectively.
Boys Varsity
Darby 55, Granite 41
Darby replicated their box-and-one on junior guard Andrew Tallon and it worked again as the Tigers posted a 14-point victory.
“I think right now it’s kind of mental,” said GHS Head Coach Mindy Avila of her team’s current losing streak. “I’ve told the boys, from my past experience in playing and coaching, you’ve got to build a team on trust, loyalty and respect. Right now I think they’re a little down because they have been losing so we need to build on that loyalty and trust. We’re gonna get it. We’re right there.”
Tallon got three points in the first period to help his team stay close, but Darby’s defense held him scoreless until the fourth and he eventually finished with eight points.
Hayden Mason scored 17 for the Prospectors and Cavan Babbitt had 10.
Granite held their own on the boards, tying the Tigers 31-31.
SCORING
Darby – 15/12/13/15 – 55
Granite – 13/5/7/16 – 41
Darby – Hamblin 1, Townsend 7, Duggan 3, Smith 19, Hundley 2, Martin 4, Reed 17
Granite – Pitcher 3, Babbitt 10, Tallon 8, Mason 17, White 3
Boys Junior Varsity
Darby 23, Granite 14
Eric Pitcher and Sawyer Melchert each scored four in a loss to the Tigers.
