Prep Roundup: Gizzi breaks record, powers Dragons to third straight victory

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New Palestine’s Isabella Gizzi drives to mid-court against Connersville on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021. ( Tom Russo | Daily Reporter)

HANCOCK COUNTY — Records are made to be broken, and New Palestine junior Isabella Gizzi shattered one on Saturday en route to powering the Dragons girls basketball team to its third straight victory.

Gizzi scored a game-high 40 points at Southport, which broke a 28-year-old school record, to lock down a 64-55 overtime victory against the host Cardinals.

Gizzi hit eight field goals and was 20-for-22 from the free-throw line in the win to set a new single-game, school-scoring record. The previous mark of 36 points was established by her mother and current Dragons head coach Sarah (Haynes) Gizzi on Dec. 1, 1993 against Pendleton Heights.

Isabella Gizzi scored 13 of her 40 points in overtime as the Dragons outscored the host Cardinals 15-6 in the extra session to seal the victory.

Two other Dragons scored in double figures during the game, as Alaina Miller contributed 13 points and Rachel Kelley 11.

Gizzi hit a pair of 3-pointers in the opening frame, scoring eight of the Dragons’ 10 points.

After trailing by two at the quarter break, the Dragons seized a 22-19 lead at halftime, with Miller scoring five of the Dragons’ 12 points.

Gizzi scored 10 in a third quarter that saw the Dragons open up a 36-31 lead. Miller and Kelley hit three early baskets to help the Dragons keep a lead over the Cardinals in the fourth. Southport was able to hit late shots to push the game to OT.

In the extra session, Gizzi was fouled four consecutive times and hit all eight free throws to give the Dragons the lead. The Dragons were 13 of 14 from the line in overtime. Miller also hit a pair of free throws to extend the lead.

As a team, the Dragons were 25 of 28 from the line. Miller was 4-for-4 in addition to hitting four field goals.

The Dragons are now 3-0 on the season. They are back at home today to face Franklin Central.

Royals fall short against Tigers

The Eastern Hancock girls basketball team lost its first game this season Saturday, falling to host Triton Central, 50-41.

The visiting Royals (3-1) opened the season a perfect 3-0 before facing defeat against their potential Class 2A Sectional 42 opponent. The Triton Central Tigers are now 3-0 on the season.

Sophomore Sammie Bolding led the Royals with a team-high 17 points in the game. She converted 6 of 12 field goal attempts and buried 5 of 11 shots from 3-point range. She also had two rebounds, two assists and four steals.

The Royals led the Tigers 12-10 after the opening quarter, but the hosts quickly turned the tide by building a 24-19 advantage by halftime. Triton Central outscored Eastern Hancock 26-22 in the second half.

Emma Bolding had 12 points on 6 of 15 shooting from the field to go with five rebounds.

Grace Stapleton had five points, one rebound, five assists and four steals. Ruby White finished with four points and five rebounds.

The Royals head to Union (Modoc) today for a Mid-Eastern Conference game. Eastern Hancock is 1-0 in the MEC.

Golden Eagles defeat Cougars

The Greenfield-Central girls basketball team dropped its third straight game Friday at Guerin Catholic, 37-25.

The Cougars (0-3) were led by Annan Tiede with nine points, followed by Chaney Brown’s eight. Brooklyn McConnell added six points. Audrey Pechin chipped in two points.

McConnell hit a pair of 3-pointers. Tiede buried another to go with a team-high four rebounds.

Brown hauled in four rebounds and dished out two assists. Pechin had three rebounds and four steals.

The Cougars are back at home today against visiting Richmond.