Playing without its head coach, Kelly Windmiller, who was out with an illness, the North Putnam girl's basketball team fought hard, but came up just short against Southmont, 48-44, Tuesday in the opening round of Sectional 41 at Greencastle.
Southmont advances to play Greencastle Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the second semi-final.
Early on, North Putnam looked like it may play itself into another matchup with Greencastle Friday, as the Cougars came out and got solid play from Rose Haste, who hit three three pointers in the opening quarter to lift North Putnam to an 18-15 advantage after the quarter.
The Mounties, however, responded and turned the momentum early in the second quarter, racing out to a quick 6-0 run and earning a lead they would not relinquish. Backed by Ella Berry and Layla Gomez, Southmont's offensive attack created nightmares for the Cougars, who were stymied offensively by Southmont's zone defense. Southmont managed to outscore the Cougars 15-8 to go into the lockers ahead 30-26.
The halftime break did little to slow Southmont, who built their advantage into double digits in the third quarter.
While the Mounties got its offense going, North Putnam struggled from the field, as the Cougars were held without a field goal until there was under a minute left in the quarter.
Despite that, North Putnam put together a furious rally in the fourth quarter, sparked by a three pointer from Haste, which cut the deficit to 43-42, and then a basket from Mackenzie Mason to put the Cougars ahead 44-43.
That would be the final lead for North Putnam, as Southmont's Kaylee Turner hit a basket and then managed to tie up North Putnam on the ensuing possession, giving the ball back to the Mounties, who salted the game away at the free throw line.
Melanie Davis led the way for North Putnam with 17 points, while Haste added 15 in the loss.
Gomez led the way with 17 points for the Mounties.
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