The New Franklin Bulldogs will again pair off against the Westran Hornets for the championship of the girls’ portion of the annual New Franklin Tournament, after their wins Wednesday, Jan. 7 in semifinal action heard on KMMO-FM 102.9.
New Franklin’s girls produced a tenacious effort on defense to roll past Community, 50-24. That preceded the nightcap where Westran rallied late to defeat previously-unbeaten Jamestown, 47-40.
Wednesday’s initial broadcast saw the host Bulldogs shut out Community for more than a quarter, not allowing the Trojans onto the scoreboard until more than nine minutes of action had passed. In fact, Community didn’t connect on their first field goal until the contest was nearly four minutes deep into the second period. New Franklin was ahead 10-0 after the opening eight minutes and then 27-8 at intermission. The Bulldogs went on to lead by more than 30 points down the stretch before coasting home with their 50-24 victory.
Improving to 10-1 on the season, New Franklin was paced by Lilly Chitwood’s 24 points while Jocelyn Curtis tossed in 12 for a Community squad that fell to 8-3 overall.
Wednesday’s late game saw 11-0 Jamestown on top for more than three quarters before becoming unraveled in the final few minutes of their 47-40 setback at the hands of Westran. The Eagles led the Hornets 13-10 after one period and then 24-21 at the break. Jamestown later widened their advantage to seven points as they found themselves on top, 36-29 with only one quarter left. Down the stretch however, Jamestown suddenly had all kinds of trouble putting the ball in the basket as Westran tallied 18 of the contest’s final 22 points to earn a 47-40 victory.
Improving to 7-4 on the season, the Hornets had three girls in double figures. Kharrigan Fuemmeler paced Westran with 16 points while Kate Hollman tossed in 13 and freshman Norah Harvey added 10 for their side. Now 11-1 overall, Jamestown received 11 points from Sidney Derendinger as Olivia Meisenheimer came off the bench to tally another 10 for the Eagles.
In consolation action Wednesday night, Brunswick defeated Columbia Christian Fellowship 57-37, prior to Fayette earning a 48-33 decision over Sturgeon.
Thursday’s boys semifinals games on KMMO-FM will top-seed Westran battling Christian Fellowship at 6 p.m., followed by the hosts New Franklin challenging Brunswick. Pregame coverage will begin at 5:50 p.m. from the new gym. Consolation play in the old gymnasium will see Community face Fayette, followed by a clash between Jamestown and Sturgeon.