Early in the year, Switzerland County had an easy time with the Rising Sun Lady Shiners, winning by a score of 62-26. In Friday night’s consolation game of the Rivertown Classic, Switzerland County discovered that the Lady Shiners have greatly improved since that first meeting, as the game was nip-and-tuck throughout before Switzerland County pulled away enough at the end to claim the victory by a 46-42 score.
The Switzerland County continued its offensive struggles early in the game, accounting for only six points in the opening quarter, falling behind the Lady Shiners by a score of 10-6.
The offense began to find its stride in the second period, highlighted by three-pointers from Ashley Bright and Amber Smith; and as the teams went to halftime, the Lady Pacers had taken a four point lead, 20-16.
Lady Pacer Amber Smith was first to score in the second half, connecting on a three-point bucket; and the Lady Pacers kept the offensive stride going as they continued to keep the lead in the third quarter.
April Thieman stole the ball from the Lady Shiners and passed to Ashley Bright who connected on a bucket. Amber Smith and Morgan Ross each scored a basket during the quarter; and Tanya Sefton also stole the ball – passing to senior Ashley Bright, who connected again.
But Rising Sun didn’t fold, as they continued to match Switzerland County point-for-point, but by the end of the third stanza, the Lady Pacers outscored the Lady Shiners by just a 17-15 margin, and were clinging to a 37-31 lead with eight minutes to play.
Rising Sun made another run in the final period, outscoring Switzerland County by an 11-9 margin, but Ashley Bright connected on some key freethrows at critical times, keeping the Lady Shiners from grabbing a lead.
Switzerland County was able to fend off the tough Rising Sun full court pressure at the end of the game, and claimed the 46-42 win.
The Lady Pacers struggled at the freethrow line during the game, connecting on only 50 percent of their attempts; but the Lady Shiners didn’t fare much better, finishing at 55.6 percent.
Ashley Bright was top scorer for the Lady Pacers with 17 points, and she also had eight steals.
Amber Smith also finished in double figures contributing 15 points, including three three-pointers. Tanya Sefton added eight points and five assists; Morgan Ross had four points; and Megan McCarty finished with two. April Thieman finished with six rebounds.