Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

ATHENS — It’s all about survival.

It’s tournament time and the Symmes Valley Lady Vikings held on for a 39-38 win over the Trimble Lady Tomcats Monday in the Division IV sectional tournament semifinals.

“We got off to a sluggish start, but a win is a win in the tournament,” said Lady Vikings’ coach Brandon Walker.

“We’re happy to live to see another day. We’re happy we get another day to practice and a chance to play another game.”

Kayla Hayes turned thief in the final minute and a half of the game to seal the win for the Lady Vikings.

With the Lady Vikings leading 34-33, Hayes came up with a steal and layup with 1:34 left. She stole the ball again and fed Gracie Waddell for a layup and it was 38-33.

After a free throw and a 39-34 lead, Trimble’s Morgan Murphy hit a 3-pointer just before the buzzer to set the final score.

Trimble led 13-8 after the first quarter, but Kaitlyn Payne scored 8 points and Kalli Hunt had 5 points and the Symmes Valley defense held the Lady Tomcats to just 2 points and the Lady Vikings led 22-15 at the half.

Trimble outscored Symmes Valley 8-7 in the third quarter and it was 29-23.

The Lady Vikings made just 2 of 8 free throw attempts in the fourth quarter, but Hayes’ key plays helped overcome the foul line struggles.

Hunt and Payne scored 13 points each to lead the Lady Vikings (10-13).

Demi Moore had 10 points to pace Trimble (4-16).

Symmes Valley plays Waterford at 2:45 p.m. Saturday in the sectional finals at Athens High School.

Trimble 13 2 8 15 = 38

Sym. Valley 8 14 7 10 = 39

GLOUSTER TRIMBLE (4-16): Logan Carano 0 0 0-0 0, Demi Moore 2 1 3-3 10, Nicole Kish 4 0 1-2 9, Morgan Murphy 2 1 2-3 9, Tia Altier 0 2 0-1 6, Emily McKee 0 0 0-0 0, Madi Moore 1 0 0-0 2, Kate Spencer 1 0 0-0 2. Totals: 10 4 6-9 38. Fouls: 14. Fouled out: None.

SYMMES VALLEY (10-13): Merranda Hayes 0 0 0-0 0, Breanna Brumfield 0 0 0-0 0, Gracie Waddell 1 0 0-2 2, Kayla Hayes 3 0 0-0 6, Kalli Hunt 6 0 1-3 13, Megan Johnson 0 0 0-0 0, Sarah Crabtree 0 0 0-0 0, Sarah Crabtree 2 0 1-4 5, Hannah Maynard 0 0 0-0 0, Kaitlyn Payne 5 0 3-7 13. Totals: 17 0 5-16 39. Fouls: 15. Fouled out: None.