Clay County Times-Democrat: High School Sports: Engle paces Lady Mohawks past Tigers on senior night (02/14/08)

Lady Mohawk seniors (from right) Jordan Engle, Natalie Branscum and Dana Emerson lead the Tribe onto the floor at PHS last Friday for this year's Senior Night.
(Times photo/Tim Blair)

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Lady Mohawk captain Jordan Engle's last home ballgame at PHS was a memorable one, as the senior point guard paced the Tribe with 27 points as they rolled over the Maynard Tigers 59-49 last Friday night. Engle's excellent night included three three-point baskets and an 8 for 10 evening at the free-throw line. Friday night's contest also marked the final home appearances by Lady Mohawks Dana Emerson and Natalie Branscum.

Sharing the split-bill with the senior boy's team, the girl's capped their first season in the new gym with a decisive victory in which they led throughout.

As the contest got underway the Lady Mohawks, behind some hot shooting, ran out to the early lead. As the first period drew to a close the Tribe enjoyed a 27-16 advantage, as they had one of their most productive quarters of the season.

In the second frame the Lady Tigers made a few adjustments, and hit a few more shots, but the Mohawks extended the lead to 12 by the halftime break as they led 36-24.

Following intermission the Lady Tigers went on a run of their own, as they outscored the Piggott girls 17-14 in the period. Going into the fourth quarter the Lady Mohawks were up by nine points, as they led 50-41.

The fourth quarter saw both teams go deep into their benches, as the Tribe continued to keep the visitors at bay. Down the stretch the two teams swapped baskets as the Lady Mohawks took the ten-point win by a final of 59-49.

Along with Engle's 27 points, the Lady Mohawks got 11 more from Branscum, seven from Michelle Greaney, five from Penny McCluskey, four from Emerson and one from Kaitlin Morgan. Sarah Jones led the Lady Tigers on the night with 17 points.

With the win the Lady Mohawks extended their season record to 6-15 going into this week's district tournament at Corning.

The Tribe was scheduled to take on the Manila Lions at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, and with a win would take on Hughes at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening. A victory over the Lady Blue Devils would send the Tribe into the semi-finals at 6 p.m. Friday against Hoxie. By advancing to the semi's the Lady Mohawks would also qualify for the upcoming regional tournament at Marmaduke. The conference championship game in the girl's bracket will be played at 6 p.m. Saturday at Corning High School.