By KENT COULTAS
West Central outscored McNabb Putman County in every quarter to earn a 28-13 in in the first round of the IESA 8-2A IESA Girls’ Basketball State Tournament Dec. 14 at Havana.
The Cougars improved to 25-1 and advance to the semifinals with the win. Putman County ended its season 23-3.
Evynn Gregory grabbed an offensive rebound and scored to give West Central an early 2-0 lead. Ellie Wahl made two free throws to increase the lead to 4-1. Jackie Lashmett grabbed an offensive rebound and scored at the buzzer, and West Central led 6-3 after one quarter.
Mia Sievers made two three-point baskets late the in the second quarter, including one at the buzzer, as the Cougars led 14-6 at halftime.
Lashmett converted a three-point play off an assist from Gregory to extend the lead to 18-9 in the third quarter. Wahl made two free throws, and West Central led 20-9 after three quarters.
Putman County got within 20-13 in the fourth quarter. Gregory scored, and Sievers and Mae Reuter each made free throws to extend the lead back to 11 points.
Lashmett scored eight points to lead West Central. Gregory and SIevers both scored seven points. Wahl scored five points, and Rueter scored one.
