SMITH CENTER – The TMP-Marian girls could not overcome a slow start Tuesday as the Smith Center Lady Red came away with a 60-51 win in the MCL tournament quarterfinals.
Smith Center outscored the Monarchs 11-2 to start the game as they were able to pick apart the Monarchs press early. TMP closed within five at 11-6 midway through the first quarter but Smith Center took a 10-point lead into the second quarter at 19-9
The Monarchs again got it to six to open the second quarter thanks to Graycen Shippers, who scored four of her career-high 16 points, helping the Monarchs close the score to 19-13. But Smith Center answered right back.
The Lady Red went on an 8-0 to build their largest lead of the game at 14 at 27-13. They again led by 14 at 29-15 before the Monarchs briefly closed within eight but TMP again trailed by 10 at halftime 33-23.
Smith Center built another 14 point lead to open the third quarter at 37-23 and although TMP was able to get as close as eight at 37-29 they trailed by 11 at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter TMP got as close as six with just under 90 second to play but Smith Center made enough free throws down the stretch for the 60-51 victory.
TMP’s Jaci VonLintel scored a game-high 17 points.
TMP will face Norton in the consolation semifinals on Thursday at the Stockton High School.