Aberdeen Christian got off to a solid start and had strong finish, but Groton controlled the middle quarters Tuesday night at the Aberdeen Civic Arena.
The Tigers outscored Christian 26-4 during the second and third quarters on the way to a 53-25 non-conference girls’ basketball victory.
The Knights trailed just 13-10 after the first eight minutes, playing one of the strongest periods they have all season, according to coach Cristian Martinez.
“The first quarter was the best we’ve played,” Martinez said.
However, like they have all season, turnovers plagued Christian after that as the Knights committed more than 30 turnovers in the contest.
Meanwhile, Groton continued to steadily build a lead so that when Christian’s offense eventually got back on track in the final period the deficit was too much to overcome.
Jerica Locke led a balanced attack for the Tigers, finishing with 11 points and seven rebounds. Sydney Leicht contributed 10 points, while Laila Roberts, Aspen Johnson and Jaedyn Penning each added six points, and Brooklyn Hanson and Brooke Gengerke each finished with five.
Chloe Bosma topped the Knights with 11 points. Chloe Holt and Sophia Fogarty each added seven.
Christian, 0-8 on the season, has a busy week of basketball ahead, playing a road game against Potter County on Friday before hosting Leola-Frederick on Saturday at the Civic Arena. Both games are part of a girls-boys doubleheader.
“We have to keep working hard and growing up as a team,” Martinez said.
GROTON (5-2): Sydney Leicht 4 1-2 10, Jerica Locke 5 1-2 11, Laila Roberts 3 0-1 6, Aspen Johnson 2 2-2 6, Brooklyn Hanson 1 2-2 5, Brooke Gengerke 2 1-2 5, Rylee Dunker 2 0-0 4, Jaedyn Penning 2 2-2 6. Totals 21 9-13 53.
ABERDEEN CHRISTIAN (0-8): Chloe Holt 1 5-8 7, Sophia Fogarty 2 2-2 7, Chloe Bosma 5 1-2 11. Totals 8 8-12 25.
Groton 13 30 39 53
Aberdeen Christian 10 12 14 25
3-point field goals – Leicht, Hanson; Fogarty. Total fouls – Groton 13; Aberdeen Christian 10. Rebounds – Groton 31 (Locke 7, Penning 7). Turnovers – Groton 9. Assists – Groton 10 (Kennedy Hanson 3). Steals – Groton 16 (Johnson 3).
