Friendship girls cage Tigerettes

Nothing went right for Watertown's girls Tuesday night as Friendship Christian dominated from the first quarter on in a 51-11 District 8-A thumping at the Sportsplex.
The Tigerettes were within 7-5 before the Lady Commanders reeled off the final 18 points of the first half and 24 straight overall as they put the game away and improved to 7-6 for the season and 4-0 in the district.
During the run, Watertown coach Jeff Luttrell pulled his starting five, a tactic he repeated during the third quarter as the Tigerettes fell to 9-7, 3-3.
Remaining patient against Watertown's 2-3 zone, Friendship gradually built a 7-0 lead before the Tigerettes, who were swarmed by the Lady Commanders pressure defense, pulled to within two and had several opportunities to tie the score or go ahead.
The Lady Commanders connected on 21 of 46 shots from the floor while Watertown had just 28 attempts, hitting only a pair of three-pointers. The Tigerettes committed 28 turnovers to Friendship's 13 to account for most of the shot discrepancy.
Carly Warmath fleeced the Tigerettes with five steals, converting several into fastbreak baskets either for herself or teammates as she led all scorers with 15 points. Katy Vaughan notched nine points while Jessi Couch added eight, Lindsey Farmer seven, Sara Hay six, Gabbie Lowe four and Lacey Farmer two.
Sarah Reeder threw in a three-pointer for Watertown's first score and Brittnee Sells sank two free throws moments later. Heather Sells scored the Tigerettes' other three while Amber Hudgins had two and Amanda Montgomery a third-quarter free throw to break Friendship's 24-0 run.
Both teams will return to the district road Friday. Watertown travels to Gordonsville for a 6:30 p.m. game while Friendship will tip off at Westmoreland at 6.

Williams comes alive with 17 as Central swarms Gallatin
GLADEVILLE — After getting numerous clutch three-point baskets during last year's run to the state championship, forward Sara Williams had spent the first part of her senior season doing the little things for Wilson Central and leaving the scoring spotlight on fellow post players Tierney Jenkins and Jasmine Hassell.
But the 6-foot Williams stepped forward with her shooting touch Thursday night with 17 points to tie Jenkins for scoring honors in the No. 4 Lady Wildcats' 75-45 District 9-AAA victory over Gallatin.
Williams had two third-quarter three-poitners, as did guard Lauren Farmer, as Central widened a 39-16 halftime lead to 59-30.
"She's been working hard at her perimeter shooting," Lady Wildcat coach Bud Brandon said. "Last year, we relied on her a lot for three points and to see her with some confidence from three points was a pleasant surprise."
Jessyca Christopher connected for a pair of first-quarter threes for six as the Lady Wildcats leaped to a 24-12 lead.
Hassell tossed in 10 while Lauren Wasson knocked down nine, Chelsea Burroughs five, Kelsey McGee three and Katie Tiger two as Central shot around 50 percent from the floor in improving to 16-2 for the season and 3-1 in the district going into Friday's 6:30 p.m. showdown at No. 3 Mt. Juliet's Tommy Martin Gym.
"We hit the basket well," Brandon said. "Defensively, we played well.
"We'll get a better test Friday."
Sha Scott fired in 14 points for Gallatin.

Defensive pressure lifts Lady Saints
HENDERSONVILLE — Mt. Juliet Christian misfired early and often from the floor Tuesday night. But the Lady Saints made up for it from the free-throw line, with defensive pressure and by holding their own on the glass in a 39-32 District 8-A win at Merrol Hyde.
The Lady Saints sank just 10 of 58 shots from the floor, but made 17 of 24 free throws. Their press forced 30 turnovers to their 15. Facing a pair of big posts, they were outrebounded by only one, 42-41, as they moved to 8-7 for the season and 3-2 in district play.
Point guard Christine Humes scored 16 points, tossing in both Mt. Juliet Christian three-pointers and hitting 8 of 10 from the foul line. Sisters Paige and Ashley Hudson each notched nine points while Holly Morgan managed three and Kristen Tewmey two free throws.
Center Laura Sarrett fired in 15 points for Merroll Hyde.
The Lady Saints led 6-3 following the first quarter, 11-10 at halftime and 29-23 through three periods.
Mt. Juliet Christian will celebrate homecoming Saturday when Lancaster Christian comes calling at 6 p.m.
Sports Editor Andy Reed can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 17 or by e-mail at andy.reed@lebanondemocrat.com.