FAYETTE 1/3/2014—An offensive explosion in the third quarter allowed Fayette to pull away late against North Central. Although North Central had three players put up double digit scoring totals, Fayette would grab the win 54-41.
Fayette took advantage of free throw opportunities in the first quarter, scoring more points from the charity stripe than North Central would in the entire first quarter combined. Fayette capitalized on five of their six shots from the free throw line. North Central was only able score four points combined in the quarter, and would fall behind Fayette 10-4 after on quarter of action.
Second chance points played a key role for Fayette, as they would grab 20 offensive rebounds, compared to only 7 offensive rebounds for North Central. This allowed Fayette to increase their lead in the second period by one, leading 21-14 as the halftime buzzer sounded.
The turnover battle also helped to tip the scales in favor the Purple and Gold, as they forced North Central to turn the ball over 20 times in the contest, while only giving up 6 turnovers of their own. Fayette’s offense found its high gear in the third quarter. Taylor Griffiths would lead the way, hitting a trio of three pointers in the quarter, leading the way for her team to score 22 points in the quarter. This would lead to Fayette taking a 43-29 lead after three periods of action.
North Central would outscore Fayette in the final quarter 12-11 in the final period, but it would not be enough to mount a comeback and overtake Fayette. The Purple and Gold went on to seal the victory 54-41.
Hannah Sickmeyer lead North Central in scoring with 14, followed by Sabrina Pickford and Cady Vandevorde who both put up 11 points, Julia Rhinard was next with three points, and Rachel Oyender rounded out the North Central scoring with two.
For Fayette, it was Taylor Griffiths leading the with 23 points on the night. Kaela Seiler was next, scoring ten points, Paige Keefer dropped seven, Katelyn Bates and Jessie Wheeler both had four, and Michaela Bates and Alexis Fruchey finished with three points a piece.
-Mitchell Peebles