Carroll’s Lady Cougars won their Invitational on Saturday, defeating the University Trailblazers in the championship game. To earn their berth in the title match-up they defeated Lowell that morning.

Vs. Lowell

Carroll started quickly against the Red Devils from Lowell. A basket off the opening tip by Jess Yoder followed by a steal and basket by Yoder opened an early 4-0 lead. Lowell followed with two baskets to take a 5-4 lead. A free throw by Abby Reinke and two more Carroll baskets had the Cougars up 9-5. Lowell fought back into the game to lead at the quarter break 13-12.

Carroll opened the second quarter with 10 straight points from Quinci Eller for a 22-13 lead. Eller scored again at the end of the quarter to have 12 points in the period. Carroll led 29-22 at halftime.

The Cougars outscored the Red Devils in the second half 24-20 to increase their lead and put the game away, winning 53-42. Using a balanced attack the Cougars improved their record to 7-2.

Eller had 20 points and 8 rebounds, J. Yoder provided 16 points. Abby Reinke kicked in 7 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and Kate Hickner added 6 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists. Carly Yoder finished the scoring for Carroll with 4 points.

Vs. University

The Lady Cougars used a new technique to start the championship game against the University Trailblazers. Two fouls on Eller in the first quarter put her on the bench. Carroll played most of the first half with two freshmen (Shelbi Fisher and Kaitlin Ragan), two sophomores (Paige Barnes and Kate Hickner) and a senior (Abby Reinke). Following the leadership of Reinke the team played aggressive defense and kept the game close.

Carroll needed to make sure they closely guarded the outside shooters of University while not allowing the 6’0” center to take over the middle. The Lady Cougars did an excellent job defensively the entire game. University struggled to find good looks and Carroll blocked out and won the defensive rebounds, not allowing multiple opportunities.

Carroll held on to win the game 42-34. Their scoring was balanced, Eller led with 9 points, Reinke and Ragan added 8 each, J. Yoder had 7, Hickner and Barnes 4 each and Fisher a basket. Reinke also had 10 rebounds and 3 assists.

The senior leadership provided by C. Yoder and Reinke is what propelled the Cougars to this Carroll Classic championship game victory.

The Lady Cougars are now 8-2 for the season. They will take an extended break, playing again Jan. 8 at home against Clinton Central, Jan. 9 at home against Winamac and Jan. 11 at Maconaquah.