Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

MIAMI, Fla. — The Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers did what they wanted, and they made the Southwest Miami Lady Eagles do the same.

Ironton used its pressure defense to force 34 turnovers as the Lady Tigers beat the Lady Eagles 57-35 to win the Ladies Junior Orange Bowl Classic on Friday.

“I’m proud of the way we dictated the game,” said Ironton coach Doug Graham. “We showed a lot of energy and enthusiasm.”

Offensive balance was another key to the Lady Tigers’ win as eight different players scored. Lexie Barrier had 15 points, Lexie Washington 11 points and Alicia Murphy 9 points to lead Ironton (7-3).

“You can shut down one player or even two scorers, but we have eight or nine players who can score,” said Graham.

Ironton took a 15-7 lead to end the first quarter when Barrier drained a trifecta. The defense limited Southwest to 3 of 11 shooting from the field and forced 8 turnovers.

Baskets by Washington and Karlee McMackin opened up a 25-12 lead in the second quarter before the Lady Eagles got within 25-17 on 5 points by Valdez.

Barrier scored two, Washington had a steal and layup, Murphy buried an 18-footer and Ariel Schweickart made a layup with 30 seconds left and it was 33-21 at the half.

The scoring slowed in the third quarter. Taylor Hannan’s 19-footer to end the quarter gave Ironton a 40-27 lead

McMackin’s layup opened up a 53-34 lead and Graham emptied the bench.

Ironton hosts Oak Hill on Thursday.

Ironton 15 18 7 17 = 57

Southwest 7 14 6 8 = 35

IRONTON (7-3): Lexie Washington 11, Lexie Barrier 15, Alicia Murphy 9, Ariel Schweickart 6, Karlee McMackin 4, Alana Martin 4, Taylor Hannan 4, Macy Wise 4, Jordan Leach 0, Jordan Hannan 0.

SOUTHWEST MIAMI (5-5): Valdez 11, Camillo 9, LaGarr 6, Hazel 6, Thomas 2, Medina 1.