Tigers use defense to rout Franklin Regional

By ASHLEY CHASE

MVI Sports

A strong defensive performance combined with a balanced a offensive attack led McKeesport to a 61-35 victory over Franklin Regional Saturday afternoon at Neenie Campbell Gymnasium.

The Tigers took advantage of home court to weather an ugly first few minutes of the game for both squads. Franklin Regional worked its defense close to the paint to fend off some early chances and second chance attempts for McKeesport.

The Panthers drained a 3-pointer for the first field goal of the game with 4:28 remaining in the first quarter to take a 3-1 lead. After another three and a jumper, Franklin Regional led 8-3 before the Tigers climbed back in with buckets from Avionna Menifee, and Brooke Evans and Madison Miller, taking a 10-9 lead into the second quarter.

The teams ended the first half with a combined 24 fouls. Seven of the Tigers’ 18 second quarter points came at the free throw line and the Panthers put up five of their 10 points from the charity stripe.

Haley Hertzler picked up her first points of the afternoon with a layup that followed a Panthers turnover to give the Tigers a 16-9 advantage. Malina Boord knocked down a three and finished with all six points of her first half points in the second quarter.

Back-to-back rebound putbacks by Rachel Manfredo and Kaylee Charles, gave McKeesport a double-digit lead in the final minute of the first half. Evans led the Tigers with seven points in the first half.

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