RIVERTON – The Rock Springs Lady Tigers used strong defense and offensive rebounding to open the season with a win over Riverton, 59-37.
The ladies opened the Bill Strannigan Tournament against the host team Thursday morning to open the 2016-2017 season. After a close start, the Lady Tigers were able to pull away in the second.
Sarye Thomas got things started for the Lady Tigers on the assist from Selena Cudney. Riverton responded with a three but offensive rebounds led to points by Maggie Justinak as Rock Springs regained the advantage. The lead changed hands again and Riverton was able get a little breathing room. The Lady Tigers applied pressure which led to five straight Justinak points as Rock Springs pulled even at 11 after one.
Justinak started the second with a steal and a bucket but Riverton responded. The teams traded buckets as the score remained tied at 17. A Taylor Jenkins bucket started a Lady Tiger run and they never looked back. Makylee Buell had a big second quarter and Justinak continued her hot shooting as the ladies took a nine-point lead at the break, 31-22. Justinak had a big first half finishing with 14 points while Buell added eight.
After sitting with two fouls for most of the first half, Cudney started the scoring in the second half and the ladies controlled. Thomas and Justinak continued to hit as Rock Springs pulled away. In the end, it was all Rock Springs Lady Tigers in the opening win, 59-37.
Although early, Rock Springs will get a chance to see where they match-up against the other side of the state. The Lady Tigers will continue the tournament as they face fourth-ranked Sheridan on Friday at 1:30 p.m.
Rock Springs High School
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