While the Murray High Lady Tigers had no answer for Christian County’s Trinitee Jackson Friday night, the Christian County Lady Colonels had trouble containing Murray’s Macey Turley and the rest of the high powered Lady Tiger offense. A late second quarter run opened up a close game, and Murray went on to win the battle of two of western Kentucky’s top teams 89-76.
The Lady Colonels played the game without Aaliyah Hampton, who was sitting out game recovering from an injury. Christian County also opened the game without Jackson on the floor, but she was not out for long, and made her presence quickly felt once she entered the game.
The two teams traded early baskets, before Murray went on a 9-1 run to take an 11-3 lead. It was a lead they would not relinquish for the rest of the game. Christian County got the lead back down to five on three occasions in the quarter, but the Lady Tigers held a 23-16 lead when the quarter ended.
Murray got the lead to double digits early in the 2nd quarter at 29-19. The Lady Colonels fought back, and, on a basket by Trinity McGee, cut the lead to 36-30 late in the half. However, Murray finished the 2nd quarter on a 10-4 run and took a 46-34 lead at the half.
The third quarter was almost a duel between Turley and Jackson, as the two players put on an offensive show in the quarter. Murray was able to push the lead out to as many as 18 points, before settling for a 63-47 lead going into the final quarter.
Things got a little testy early in the 4th quarter. Turley was going to the basket for Murray, scored and was fouled hard. Murray head coach Wyatt Foust stormed onto the court in protest of what happened to his star player and was hit with technical foul, driving an already rowdy Murray crowd into a bigger frenzy. Turley left the game and her sub sank the free throw, while Christian County made both technical shots.
Down the stretch though, every time the Lady Colonels tried to make a push, Turley and her teammates had the answer. Christian County got the lead down to as little as 11 points in the final minutes, but Murray made the free throws they needed to seal the win..
Christian County was led by Trinitee Jackson, who was nearly unstoppable inside, with 27 points. Bianna Snorton added 14, while Trinity McGee had 13. Macey Turley was spectacular for Murray with 36 points, including 10 of 10 at the free throw lines. Lex Mayes added 22 for the Lady Tigers.
The loss ends a nine game winning streak for the Lady Colonels, whose last loss was December 29th to Murray, and drops their record to 19-5. Murray improves to 25-2 on the season.
Christian County now gets ready to close out the regular season next week, with games Tuesday at Webster County, and Thursday at home against Henderson County.
