The Lady Cougars wrapped up regular season play Monday night on a high note, defeating Central Catholic 49-41. They move to 16-4 on the season and open sectional play Friday evening against Delphi at Fountain Central.

In games last week, Carroll hosted the Lady Cavaliers from Tri-County on Senior Night, winning that contest 39-29. Against Culver Academy at home, the Cougar Ladies fell short 45-42.

Vs. Tri-County

TC played without two of its better players. Megan Dixon injured a knee in practice and Ricka Wireman tweaked an ankle in the third period and did not return.

The Cougars forced 19 turnovers, made 7 of 10 free throws and played excellent defense to out-pace the Cavaliers. Carroll ran the fast break after steals and converted lay-ups. On a night when 3-pointers were hard to find, the 2 pointers and free throws allowed Carroll to maintain a lead throughout the game.

The Lady Cougars shot well in the first quarter, building a 16-8 lead. Dribble penetration cracked the zone and then kick-out passes to open shooters allowed Carroll to jump in front early. When TC switched into man defense in the second quarter, Carroll used smart passing and sharp cuts to create good looks. Carroll led at halftime 22-19.

Both teams combined for just 7 points in the third quarter with the Cougars collecting 5 of those and expanding their lead to 27-21.

The Lady Cougars found their shot in the fourth quarter, in time to build a 10-point lead and then hold that lead through the end of the game.

Leading Carroll were seniors Abby Reinke with 4 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, and Carly Yoder with 3 points, 3 rebounds and 4 steals. Quinci Eller had 17 points and 9 rebounds, followed by Jess Yoder with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 7 steals. Kate Hickner added 6 points.

C. Yoder and Reinke are both active in many social, academic and athletic activities at school. The two seniors have been leaders of this team, providing guidance to their underclassmen.

Vs. Culver Academy

Culver Academy brought two 6-foot centers who altered the Cougars’ shooting. The 6’2” freshman from Croatia hindered many shots and blocked several others. Carroll lost this game from the floor, shooting 21% in the second half and 29% for the game while Culver shot 50% for the game. Those stats along with Culver outrebounding Carroll 31-23 led the Academy to the victory.

Carroll started hot with assists on their made baskets and playing good defense. The Lady Cougars built a 14- 11 lead at the first quarter break. Then the height for Culver kicked in. Carroll’s drives to the basket were blocked or altered. Culver then cleaned up the rebounds and brought the ball up the floor. Carroll’s best offense was to penetrate and kick-out and run the fast break. Carroll was out-scored in the second quarter 16-11 and was down at the half 27-25.

In the third quarter neither team played well with both scoring 7 points apiece. In the fourth quarter, the visitors maintained their lead by making free throws and rebounding the Carroll missed shots. Culver outscored Carroll in the quarter 11-10 to provide the 45-42 final margin.

Quinci Eller led the Cougars with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals. J. Yoder added 11 points, 7 steals and 12 deflections; Reinke had 4 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Hickner had 2 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 8 deflections and C. Yoder played an aggressive game, providing 3 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 rebounds.

Vs. Central Catholic

Carroll used a 17-8 run in the first quarter to build a 9 point lead then made 17 of 21 free throws in the fourth quarter to maintain a comfortable margin and post the win. If not for 10 fourth quarter points from CC junior Ashley Adams, Carroll would have coasted to the win.

The Lady Cougars dominated the opening stanza by shooting well and rebounding the CC misses. The Knights shot themselves in the foot repeatedly by missing easy shots and then only making 7 of 16 from the charity stripe.

For the Lady Cougars, Reinke led the way with a double-double - 15 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Eller led all scorers with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. J. Yoder helped with 10 points and 4 steals and Hickner added 2 points, 4 rebounds and 9 deflections. C. Yoder continued her aggressive play and chipped in 2 points, 3 rebounds and 8 deflections. It was a wellrounded team effort. Paige Barnes totaled the remaining 3 points for the Cougars.