The Chillicothe Lady Hornets were at Macon on Tuesday night facing a tough test from the Tigerettes. Macon’s experience gave Chillicothe a challenge in the first half, the Tigerettes were tied with Chillicothe at the end of the first quarter 16-16.
After Chillicothe extended the lead to double figures in the 2nd quarter, Macon scored the final 6 points of the half to make it 33-28 at the break. Macon’s Reece Barnett was the story early, as the leading scoring at halftime on either side with 13 points. The senior went over the 1,000 career point mark in the contest and was celebrated with an ovation by the Tiger fans.
Macon was hoping for more to cheer about but the 3rd quarter was all Chillicothe. Coach Darren Smith said the defensive communication and effort was much better in the 2nd half, which was evident on the court. Macon managed just one 3rd quarter field goal while Chillicothe outscored the Tigerettes 17-3 in the frame, blowing the contest wide open.
Lyla Beetsma was sensational for Chillicothe scoring 20 in the game, and her fifth performance of 18 or more this season. It was the 4th straight game the Lady Hornets had a trio of players in double figures with Lexy Smith adding 13 and Lydia Bonderer finishing with 10 points.
Chillicothe rolled to a 56-41 victory, improving the Lady Hornets start to the year out to 8-0. Chillicothe will face their toughest test thus far on Friday at unbeaten Centralia.
Chillicothe 16 33 50 56
Macon 16 28 31 41
Individual scoring:
Chillicothe – Beetsma 20, Smith 13, Bonderer 10, Emerson Staton 6, Maicee Albrecht 4, Dawson Baxter 3
Macon – Barnett 16, MaKenzie Hessell 12, Payton Weimer 6, Raleigh Weimer 3, Presley Applebury 2, Addie Stephenson 2