The Chillicothe Lady Hornets basketball team opened the California Tournament on Monday with a first round matchup against Eldon. The Lady Hornets entered the contest 9-2 on the season coming off a 30 point victory against Bishop Leblond on Friday.
Chillicothe started fast, after giving up the first basket of the game to the Lady Mustangs, Coach Darren Smith’s team ripped off 16 straight points and held a 16-6 lead after one quarter. Chillicothe’s defense got even stronger as the game went on, not allowing more than 5 points in any of the final three quarters.
The Lady Hornets offense was unstoppable, getting to the rim at will. Led by Liz Oliver and Lyla Beetsma who each finished with 17 points, Chillicothe posted 16 points or more in each of the first three quarters before coasting to a scoreless 4th quarter. Attacking the basket was such a success that Chillicothe did not need to settle for outside shots, neither team made a three pointer in the game. Chillicothe comfortably won 49-19 and will move on to the California Tournament semifinal game on Wednesday.
Chillicothe 16 32 49 49
Eldon 6 10 15 19
Individual scoring:
Chillicothe – Oliver 17, Beetsma 17, Lexy Smith 5, Lydia Bonderer 4, Emerson Staton 4, Presley Rardon 2
Eldon – Corin Davis 6, McKenzi Ward 5, Lily Henley 4, Karlie Wood 3, Kaydin Davis 1