For The Tribune
MEDORA
The Class A No. 10 ranked Trinity Lutheran girls’ basketball team started their game aggressive on defense against Jackson County rival Medora on Thursday, which translated into quick points off turnovers on the way to an 81-25 road victory.
Trinity started the game with a press, and the Cougars were able to score several points quickly in transition.
As a result Trinity scored the first 20 points of the game, and the Hornets didn’t manage any points until senior Jadelyn Dean hit a basket with two minutes left in the first quarter.
Trinity went on to close the first quarter with a 30-8 lead.
As the game progressed, the Cougars were able to play 11 girls in the rotation.
The Cougars were led by three sophomores, as Maddie Roark poured in 22 points, Morgan Gabbard tallied 17 — which included four 3-pointers — and Abby Hackman’s 16.
The Hornets were led by senior Jadelyn Dean who had 10 points, and senior Carley McCammon contributed eight points.
“Trinity is a good team: they have depth and are well coached,” said Hornets coach Brad McCammon. “We tried to slow them down.”
McCammon felt his team played its best team game as they played together well. The Hornets lost six players before this season started, and so they weren’t able to field a reserve team.
Trinity tried a new 2-3 defense, which trapped the wings, and it led to some Hornet turnover and forced shots.
The Cougars played aggressively all evening as they ended with 16 team fouls, compared to Medora’s nine fouls.
Trinity also had a considerable size advantage, as they were able to score inside or out, while controlling the boards.
Cougars coach Mike Lang was pleased with his team, as all 11 girls played considerable minutes.
Lang also said he was pleased with his forwards Gabbard and Hackman.
“Abby only played one half of the game, but played well,” Lang said.
Hackman helped control the inside game with strong defense and rebounding.
Medora committed 29 turnovers to Trinity’s 13 giveaways.
The Cougars are now 5-2 while the Hornets move to 1-8.
Trinity plays at Rising Sun on Thursday. The Hornets host West Washington on Saturday and Crothersville on Monday.