Golden 'Cats: Bronaugh wins tourney opener

Bronaugh Lady Wildcats sophomore Riley Knapp drives hard to the basket during the first half of Friday night's GVVC contest with Montrose. (Submitted photo)

In first round action Monday night at the Golden City Tournament, the second-seeded Bronaugh Lady Wildcats bested seventh-seeded Jasper 39-24.

The victory ups Bronaugh's record to 11-1 overall.

The Lady Wildcats trailed 10-6 after one quarter of play. Bronaugh then turned up its defensive intensity in the second quarter, outscoring Jasper 12-3 to grab an 18-13 halftime lead,

Bronaugh's stifling defense carried over into the third quarter, as the Lady 'Cats outscored Jasper 11-3. Bronaugh won the fourth quarter 10-8 for the final 15 points margin.

Jasper shot an ice cold 14 percent from the field (6-of-41) while Bronaugh concluded the contest shooting 27 percent from the field (16-of-58).

Bronaugh held a 35-25 advantage on the glass, as the Lady Wildcats pulled down 24 defensive and 11 offensive rebounds. Bronaugh also had nine steals to Jasper's six, while forcing Jasper into 18 turnovers.

Jasper's starting five was completely locked down, as 96 percent of its offensive output came from its bench.

For the Lady 'Cats, senior forward Katey Rider posted a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds, to go along with 2 assists and a block. Additionally for Bronaugh, senior guard Taylor Stratford concluded with 8 points, 2 steals and an assist; Riley Knapp, 6 points 3 rebounds and 2 steals; Becca Raper, 6 points, 5 rebounds and three assists; Mandy Murphy, 5 points, 7 rebounds 4 assists and 2 steals; and Bonnie Moore, four rebounds and two steals.