New Palestine’s Isabella Gizzi drives to mid-court against Connersville on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021. (Tom Russo | Daily Reporter)
HANCOCK COUNTY — Six days between games did little to slow down the New Palestine girls basketball team’s momentum.
The Dragons won their second straight game to start the 2021-22 season on Wednesday by besting host Greenwood 43-34.
Isabella Gizzi scored a team-high 23 points to lead the Dragons, tallying 10 in the second quarter to help give New Palestine the lead for good.
The teams played to a 7-7 tie after one quarter, but Gizzi was 8 of 9 from the foul line and added a field goal in the second frame to give the Dragons a 19-14 edge at the break. She hit a 3-pointer and scored eight third-quarter points to keep the margin 27-22 going into the final frame.
The Dragons got two big baskets from Alaina Miller and one from Rachel Kelley in the final quarter. The Dragons were 8 of 11 from the free-throw line with Miller tallying all five of her points in the frame. Gizzi scored four and Allie Blum three.
For the game, Gizzi was 12 of 15 from the line and hit five baskets – including the Dragons’ lone 3-pointer – for her second straight 20-plus point performance to start the year. Kelley added eight points. Alaina Miller and Blum each scored five, while Vivian Miller tallied two.
The Dragons are now 2-0 on the season and travel to Southport on Saturday.
Royals roll out to 3-0
The Eastern Hancock girls basketball team has opened the 2021-22 season a perfect 3-0 with three victories in five days.
The Royals won a pair of road games to start, beginning against Mid-Eastern Conference foe Wes-Del, 53-24, on Nov. 2, and followed up with another victory at Morristown, 63-33, on Nov. 4.
On Saturday, Nov. 6, the Royals defended their home court against non-conference opponent Rushville, 47-31, to remain unbeaten at 3-0.
Against Rushville, Emma Bolding scored a team-high 12 points on 6 of 12 shooting from the field, while Sammie Bolding finished with 11 points on 4 of 9 shooting.
Ruby White had seven points and a team-high nine rebounds. Grace Stapleton added nine rebounds, five points, seven assists and three steals. Emma Bolding hauled in six rebounds.
White tallied a team-high 16 points against Morristown, converting 8 of 16 field-goal attempts. She also had seven rebounds and three steals.
Emma Bolding had nine rebounds and 14 points. Makenzie O’Neal had eight steals, six rebounds and 10 points. Sammie Bolding provided six points. Grace Stapleton compiled six points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Caroline Stapleton logged six steals, three assists, two rebounds and four points.
In the Royals’ season opener, O’Neal led the way with 14 points on 4 of 5 shooting from the field and 6 of 11 free throws. She added seven rebounds, three assists and six steals.
White had eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two points. Grace Stapleton chipped in five rebounds, five assists, four steals and six points. Emma Bolding finished with four rebounds, two assists, three steals and 10 points. Caroline Stapleton scored seven points.
The Royals travel to Triton Central on Saturday.
Cougars drop second straight
The Greenfield-Central girls basketball team fell to 0-2 on the season with a 48-38 loss on the road at Whiteland on Nov. 6.
Freshman Brooklyn McConnell led the Cougars with 14 points on 5 of 9 shooting from the field, including a pair of 3-pointers.
Chaney Brown had 11 points, 10 rebounds. three assists and two steals. Taylor Smith finished with six points, two rebounds and two assists.
Annan Tiede posted three points and six rebounds.
The Cougars (0-2) travel to Guerin Catholic tonight for a 7:30 p.m. varsity start.
