STOCKTON - The TMP Lady Monarchs used a pair of big runs to build an early lead and then held off a late comeback effort from Norton on their way to a 46-34 victory Thursday in the MCL tournament consolation semifinals in Stockton.
The Monarchs (5-5, 2-1 MCL) scored the games first seven points and after Norton answered with a 6-0 run, Julianna Baalman gave the Monarchs a 9-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. Baalman scored 10 of her game and career-high 13 points in the first half.
The Baalman field goal and a three-point play by Hannah Garcia helped spark the Monarchs on a 10-2 run to end the first and open the second quarter, putting TMP up 17-8.
Norton (5-6, 3-3 MCL) briefly closed within six at 18-12 but TMP outscored Norton 11-0 to end the first half for a 29-17 halftime lead.
Norton cut the TMP lead to 10 with seven straight points to open the second half but back-to-back field goals from sisters Graycn and Claire Schippers put TMP back up 14 at 33-19. Brooke Koenigsman and Jaci VonLintel each connected on a three pointer to end the third quarter putting TMP up 39-26 through three.
Baalman added a three pointer to open the fourth quarter before Norton was able to close within 10 but a pair of Garcia free throws gave TMP the 46-34 victory.
Julianna Baalman led all scorers with 13 points and added six rebounds. Jaci VonLintel added 11 points and six rebounds.
TMP will face Trego in Saturday’s fifth place game in WaKeeney. Tipoff is set for 10 a.m.