By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

 

JACKSON — The Rock Hill Redwomen saved their best for last.

Despite suffering a loss, the Redwomen fell just short of an upset as the Zane Trace Lady Pioneers escaped with a 58-52 overtime win on Wednesday in the Division III sectional tournament.

“The girls played well. This was the best they’ve played since I’ve coached them,” said Rock Hill coach Alvin Carpenter.

“Kelsey Blagg had a good game helping to handle the ball. Morgan Damron is a freshman and she had to help handle the ball. Chelsea Harper and Katie Johnson did a good job on (Kelsey Dunkle) until they fouled out. She had 25 points but only eight in the first three quarters.”

Harper had 14 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals in her final game to lead Rock Hill (6-15). Brook Knipp had 15 points and 4 steals while Johnson had 8 points and 8 rebounds.

Dunkle scored 25 points and Devin Unger 17 to lead Zane Trace (13-9).

Harper scored 10 points in the first quarter to help Rock Hill take a 17-12 lead but Unger scored 8 in the second quarter as Zane Trace took a 28-23 lead at the half.

Knipp had 7 points in the third to help give Rock Hill a 38-35 lead.

But Dunkle scored 12 points in the fourth quarter including 6 of 6 at the foul line as the Pioneers tied the game at 49.

Dunkle scored 5 points in overtime as Zane Trace outscored Rock Hill 9-3.

Zane Trace faces Oak Hill at 4:30 on Saturday in the sectional finals.

Rock Hill 17 6 15 11 3 = 52

Zane Trace 12 16 7 14 9 = 58

ROCK HILL (6-15): Chelsea Harper 3 2 2-2 14, Madison Damron 1 0 1-1 3, Kelsey Blagg 3 0 0-0 6, Brook Knipp 4 0 7-9 15, Katie Johnson 3 0 2-2 8, Tommi Butler 2 0 0-0 4, Brooke Hanshaw 1 0 0-0 2. Totals: 19-41 12-14 52. 3-point goals: 2-6. Rebounds: 32 (Harper 11, Johnson 8). Steals: 13 (Knipp 4, Harper 4). Turnovers: 9. Fouls: 22. Fouled: Harper, Johnson.

ZANE TRACE (13-8): Hayley Carle 1 0 2-2 4, Amber Everhart 0 1 1-2 4, Devin Unger 6 0 5-9 17, Kelsey Dunkle 2 4 9-10 25, Taylor Woodbridge 0 0 0-1 0, Morgan Geno 3 0 2-3 8. Totals: 12 5 19-27 58. Fouls: 16. Fouled out: None.