Charleston, W. Va. — #2 Tucker Co. used a big second half to defeat #7 Tolsia 66-44 in the first round of the state tournament Wednesday night at the Charleston Coliseum.
Kerigan Salmons steps back for a three pointer in the first quarter versus Tucker Co.
The Rebels got off to a fast start by scoring the first eight points of the game prompting a Mountain Lion timeout to slow the Tolsia momentum. After the timeout Tucker Co. went to work on the inside and cut the lead to 12-8 after one.
In the second quarter Tolsia once again started fast and went up 17-9 with four minutes left before half. Tucker Co. once again seized the momentum and took a 22-20 lead with ten seconds left in the half before Autumn Block hit a 15 foot jumper to tie the score at 22 all going to the break.
Autumn Block knocks down a jumper right before halftime in the State Tournament Wednesday.
In the third quarter the two team traded baskets and Tolsia led 30-29 with just over three minutes left when Tucker Co. went on a 12-3 run and led 42-32 going into the fourth period.
In the fourth they continued to add to the lead and the Rebels couldn’t get it any closer than 11 points the rest of the way.
Julie Young denies the Tucker Co. entry pass on Wednesday in Charleston.
Tolsia ( 17-9 ) was led in scoring by Kerigan Salmons with 14 points including 3 three pointers, she also had 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal, Emily Artrip had 12 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals, Autumn Block had 10 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks, Amber Stevens had 6 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block, Julie Young 1 point, 3 rebounds and 1 steal, Kilee Preece 1 point and 1 steal, Jacey Crum 1 steal, Kaylee Johnson, Megan Clayton and McKenzie Cassell all played but didn’t score.
The Rebels were 15 of 57 from the field, 3 of 18 from behind the arc and 11 of 18 from the free throw line.
Amber Stevens attempts the free throw versus Tucker Co.
Tucker Co. ( 20-2 ) was led by Erika Zirk with 19 points, Macy Helmick had 14 points, Kadie Colebank had 10 points, Raven Matthews had 8 points, Avery Colebank had 5 points, Katie Hicks and Brylee Wetzel had 3 points each, Jayden Moore and Addie Hicks had 2 points apiece.
The Mountain Lions went 22 of 56 from the field, 5 of 17 from behind the three point line, and 17 of 23 from the free throw line.
THS 12 10 10 12 = 44
TCHS 8 14 20 24 = 66
Emily Artrip brings the ball down the floor on the first possession for the Rebels in the State Tournament.
Tucker Co. will play Doddridge Co. in the semifinals on Friday morning at 9:30.
Tolsia Head Coach Ric Morrone with Seniors Autumn Block, Kerigan Salmons and Sophomore Emily Artrip at the press conference after the game.
