REEDSVILLE, OH (WOUB) The Eastern girls' basketball team put up a strong third quarter, but it was not enough, as the Trimble Tomcats won 43-24. Trimble was led by Rilynn Fouts who dominated and put up 26 points.
The Eastern Eagles came into the game looking to end a six-game losing streak. The two teams matched up earlier in the season, with Trimble coming out on top 56-20.
Eastern was able to start the scoring by pushing the ball up the floor. With their fast tempo, the Eagles were able to get quick shots but were not always able to knock them down.
Trimble played an aggressive defense, coming out in a full court press. They were able to get traps within the half court forcing several turnovers. Those good defensive plays led to points, as they knocked down two threes to take the lead in the first quarter.
To start the second quarter, Trimble was able to force more turnovers with their press. This led to more scoring opportunities, in which the shots started to fall for the Tomcats. They were able to take a big lead of 20-4 just two minutes into the second quarter.
Trimble continued their scoring success and took a 29-9 lead at the half. Rilynn Fouts had two shots from behind the arc to give her 14 points at the half.
Fouts got right back to work in the second half, putting up six more points in the first three minutes. Trimble took a slower offensive approach in the third quarter. They used spacing and good ball movement to get the open shot they wanted.
Eventually Eastern found some life on the offense. They were able to put up 10 points in the third quarter, which is more points than they had in the first half. Makenzie Robertson led the way for the Eagles with ten points after three quarters of play. She ended as the Eagles leading scorer with 14 points.
"We came out in the first half a little worn down, we learned to dig deep the second half and it got a lot better." Said Head Coach Matt Simpson
Even with the sustained fight from the Eastern offense, the deficit was too large, and Trimble was able to hold their lead for a 43-24 victory. Rilynn Fouts ended as the games leading scorer with an impressive 26 points.
Trimble will travel again as they face Nelsonville-York on Saturday, Jan. 18.