Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PEDRO — There’s something about the third quarter that the Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers must like.

For the second straight game, Ironton used a big third quarter to fuel a win as they beat the Rock Hill Redwomen 55-40 Friday.

“First half, we weren’t ready to play and missed 10 3-pointers and four of 23 shots in the paint,” said Ironton coach Doug Graham.

“But Karlie Rase played a good game and Alyssa Lewis came off the bench and was aggressive.”

Ironton (2-0) was led by Lexie Barrier with 12 points. Taylor Hannan and Alyssa Lewis scored 11 points each.

Rock Hill (1-1) fell behind early but rallied to take a 21-20 halftime lead.

Ironton came out the second half and outscored the Redwomen 23-8 to build a 43-29 cushion.

The Lady Fighting Tigers converted 8-of-9 from the foul line in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Ironton was 21 of 31 for the game from the line.

Samantha Dillon had 12 points and seven rebounds to pace Rock Hill. Kasey Russell had eight rebounds and four assists.

Despite the loss, Rock Hill coach Greg Damron praised his team’s effort.

“Our kids played pretty hard throughout. We let it get away from us in the third quarter,” said Rock Hill coach Greg Damron. “It was definitely a team effort.”

Ironton took a 13-8 lead in the first quarter. Anna Darby and Dillon scored 4 points each in the second quarter as Rock Hill rallied to lead 21-20.

But Ironton used its press in the third quarter to force eight turnovers and regain the lead.

Rock Hill was forced to foul in the fourth quarter and Ironton hit 8 of 9 attempts.

Ironton 13 7 23 12 = 55

Rock Hill 8 13 8 11 = 40

IRONTON (2-0): Jordan Hannan 3 0 0-0 6, Lee 0 0 2-2, Taylor Hannan 2 0 7-9 11, Lexie Barrier 4 0 4-4 12, Macy Wise 1 0 1-4 3, Karlie Rase 1 0 3-3 5, Alyssa Lewis 4 0 3-5 11, Cheyenne Scott 1 0 3-4 5. Totals: 16 0 21-31 55. Fouls: 15. Fouled out: None.

ROCK HILL (1-1): Lindy Simpson 0 1 0-0 3, Patty Riffe 2 0 1-2 5, Ashton Neal 1 0 0-0 2, Brookyln Massie 1 0 0-0 2, Samantha Dillon 4 1 1-3 12, Anna Darby 1 0 2-2 4, Maddie Malone 1 0 0-1 2, Kasey Russell 1 0 2-3 4, Sarah Travis 3 0 0-0 6, Madison Damron 0 0 0-0 0, Sabrina Henderson 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 13 1 8-13 40. Fouls: 19. Fouled out: None. Rebounds: 27 (Russell 8, Dillon 7, Riffe 4). Turnovers: 20. Assists: Russell 4.