Young Lady Rebs gains valuable experience for next year
Charleston, W. Va. It was a tall task in more ways than one for Tolsia ( 14-12 ) when they fell 64-44 to #1 Wyoming East ( 21-2 ) in the first round of the West Virginia class AA state tournament on Wednesday evening at the Charleston civic center.
Charleston, W. Va. It was a tall task in more ways than one for Tolsia ( 14-12 ) when they fell 64-44 to #1 Wyoming East ( 21-2 ) in the first round of the West Virginia class AA state tournament on Wednesday evening at the Charleston civic center.
The Warriors size was the difference as 6-5 Freshman Emily Saunders made it almost impossible to get in the lane as Wyoming East outscored Tolsia 44-8 in the paint,
Saunders ended up with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks and that doesn’t count how many shots she altered or disrupted. Tolsia hung around in the first half after getting off to a terrible start and falling behind 21-5 at one point. Dena Jarrells and Tasha Nichols tried to
keep the Lady Rebels in it with Jarrells from outside and Nichols battling down low even though she gave up about 6 inches in height. Tolsia trailed 37-25 at half after Jarrells hit a 32 footer at the end of the second quarter.
The Lady Rebels got it within 10 points a couple times in the second half but Wyoming East would keep them at bay each time as they will move on to the semifinals on Friday and face #4 Sissonville.
Freshman Dena Jarrells had 26 points including 5 three pointers and also had 5 assists, Freshman Sarah Jude had 7 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals, Lone Senior Michaela Messer hit one three pointer for 3 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, Junior Tasha Nichols had 3 points and 12 rebounds, Sophomore Elizabeth Asbury hit one three pointer for 3 points, Sophomore Mariah Finley had 2 points, 1 assists and 1 rebound, Junior Alyssa Cloud had 1 rebound and Freahman Marlee Marcum played but didn’t have any stats.
Tolsia shot 30.6% ( 15-49 ) from the field, 29.6% ( 8-27 ) from three and 42.9% ( 6-14 ) from the line.
Wyoming East was led in scoring by Gabby Lupardus with 16 points and 12 assists. The Warriors shot 47.2% ( 25-53 ) from the field, 33.3% ( 2-6 ) from three and 63.2% ( 12-19 ) from the line.
Tolsia 7 18 8 11 44
W. E. 21 16 12 15 64
Tolsia Head Coach Ric Morrone
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… I thought our kids played really hard but we got off to such a terrible start, I think Wyoming East and our nerves had a lot to do with that.” We ran our offense and got some good looks and just didn’t knock down the shots.” Emily Saunders underneath was really good but I thought Tash Nichols really battled her and even out rebounded her for the game.” We had a great year not a lot of people have us much of a chance to make it to Charleston and I’m so proud of this bunch of girls.” We only have eight so this is quite an accomplishment.”