HS Girls Basketball: Independence declaws the Huskies

Patriots open the second half with an 11-1 run and roll past North Marion

Following two tough road losses to open the season against AAA foes Herbert Hoover and Winfield, AA Independence had been itching to get back on the court to right the ship.

Weather cancellations brought those plans to a skidding halt, but Saturday, the Lady Patriots were finally back in action for the second time this week when they welcomed AAA North Marion to Coal City.

Independence was not exactly a welcoming host.

Jumping out to a 17-11 first quarter lead, the Lady Patriots (2-2) clamped down defensively on the Marion County guests for a 55-36 triumph.

Independence head coach Mark Cuthbert talked about his team earning its first win of the season.

The home team took the second quarter advantage to 12 points midway through the period courtesy of a some board work from Kenna Price.

The benefactor of the Price's work was Harmony Mills.

The senior standout knocked down a 3-pointer off of a kick-out from an offensive board by Price before she scored on a breakout from Price's defensive rebound.

Two free throws from Lacey Goodson pushed the lead to 14 points and the Lady Patriots appeared poised to break the game open.

North Marion quickly responded with a 7-0 run keyed by long balls from Reagan Ash and Haleigh Hammond.

Independence was not phased.

A score inside from Peyton Raban and a coast-to-coast drive via a long rebound by Mills gave the Lady Patriots a 34-23 lead at the break.

The second quarter play was just a hint of what was to come in the third quarter.

Independence stymied the Lady Huskies offense out of the locker room and proceeded to separate the game for good with an 11-1 run.

When the third quarter horn sounded, the Coal City crew led 51-29.

Mills led all scorers with 22 points, including four shots from behind the arc. Goodson added 13 and Price scored six.

Khloe Freeman was the only double figures scorer for North Marion with 11 points.

Independence will return to action after Christmas in the Winter Classic held at the Summersville Convention Center.

NM: 11 12 6 7 - 36

I: 17 17 17 4 - 55

North Marion

Reagan Ash 6, Katelyn Lemley 5, Claire Freeman 4, Lorelai Ledsome 4, Khloe Freeman 11, Addisyn Hearn 2, Addison Megna 3

Independence

Zoey Bragg 5, Harmony Mills 22, Peyton Raban 2, Lacey Goodson 13, Jessica Vandall 5, Kenna Price 6, Taylor Fraley 2