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Massac girls use 21-1 run to take down Redbirds

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

Monday, January 12, 2009 11:52 PM CST

METROPOLIS - The third quarter left both coaches shaking their heads.

After building a 29-17 halftime lead, Massac County exploded for 24 third quarter points. Over the last five minutes of the quarter, the Patriots went on a 21-1 run against West Frankfort, putting the game out of reach in a 57-33 victory.

"I'll take that every quarter," said Massac County coach Keith Shelton.

And, actually, the quarter had a promising start for the Redbirds.

The Lady Redbirds got the ball first and set a screen for Alexis McPhail on the wing. She drilled the open 3-pointer, cutting the deficit to nine points. However, a Gena Jones free throw would be the only other point West Frankfort would score until Hartley hit a free throw with just 10 seconds remaining.

"We came out ant hit the first basket," said West Frankfort coach Matt Hampleman. "We didn't shoot very well that third quarter but for that shot."

In the meantime, Massac County scored from everywhere.

The Lady Patriots got 3-pointers from four different players, Kelsey Bradford, Tala Mumfort, Brett Windhorst and Kristina Henley. By the time the third quarter ended, the Lady Patriots were sitting atop a 53-25 lead.

"We switched to our man-to-man," Shelton said. "When we switch to a man-to-man it just seems like we get in the flow of the game a little better."

While Massac County shot the ball extremely well, the Lady Patriots' height also created problems. The Lady Patriots start 6-foot-2 Jasmine Davis, a University of Indiana recruit, and 6-1 Destiny Spence.

"They're big kids," Hampleman said. "They're strong. They're just not too many people around here that can say they have a post player going to Indiana."

Davis led a balanced Massac County attack with 13 points.

The victory puts the Lady Patriots alone atop the SIRR Ohio Division standings with a perfect 5-0 record. West Frankfort had been undefeated in conference play going into the game.

"That's the best ball game we've played in a while," Shelton said. "Shooting like that though �"

The Lady Redbirds failed to put anyone in double figures. Hartley led West Frankfort with nine points.