Miami Trace gave Wilmington everything they had and kept it close through three quarters but Mya Jackson and the Lady Hurricane cruised to a 60-39 victory Tuesday night at the Panther Pit.
Miami Trace came out of the gate with defense in mind as they were looking to slow down sharp shooting Wilmington Senior Mya Jackson. Jackson fresh off a 28 point game against Lebanon was slowed down in the first half scoring only 7 points. Coach Ackley went with a Diamond and 2 defense with two defenders on Jackson at all times. The scored was tied at the end of the first at 12 a piece and Miami Trace outscored Wilmington 14-9 in the second behind 9 first half points from Cassidy Lovett to take a 26-21 lead into the half.
The Panthers were hot from outside the arc in the first half, shooting 4-9 for 44%. Lovett knocked down a three, McDonald hit one as did Magarah Bloom and Tori Evans. The Panthers were 10-24 for the half for 42 % while Wilmington was 9-20 for 45%.
The Hurricane turned up the juice defensively in the second half forcing Miami Trace into 8 turnovers and poor shooting. Wilmington came out in the third on a 17-7 run to take a 38-33 lead going into the final frame. The Wilmington run continued into the final quarter as they outscored the Lady Panthers 18-6 in the quarter, outscoring them 35-13 for the entire second half.
Mya Jackson got hot in the second half scoring 13 of her game high 20 in the second half. Junior Jasmine Jamiel scored 11 second half points to finish with 13 and Junior Sami McCord finished with 12 points. For the night Wilmington (11-4) shot 26-43 for 60 % including 7-10 in the fourth quarter alone. They were 4-15 from beyond the arc and 8-10 from the free throw line for 80%, they committed just 11 turnovers.
Miami Trace was led in scoring Shay McDonald who had 12 points, just 2 in the second half as she was hounded defensively by Mya Jackson. Cassidy Lovett scored 11 also only scoring 2 points in the second half. Miami Trace only made three shots the entire second half. They finished 13-45 for 29%, were 6-14 from three point range and 7-10 from the free throw line. They committed 14 turnovers.
The Panthers (9-6) next play Chillicothe at home on Wednesday and are at Hillsboro on Saturday. Buckeye Country 105.5FM/iHeartRadio broadcast start on Saturday will be 6:45 p.m.