The last time the Trigg County Lady Wildcats won a game in the Girls’ 2nd Region Tournament, George H.W. Bush was in the White House. The Lady Wildcats ended 30 years of frustration Tuesday night, knocking off Caldwell County 54-50 in the 2nd Region quarterfinals at Christian County High School. The only other win for the Lady Wildcats in tournament history came back in 1990, when they defeated Fort Campbell 65-53.
The first quarter was one of big momentum swings. After a three point play from Majah Hollowell put Caldwell County up 3-0, Trigg County ripped off a 9-0 run to go up 9-3. Olivia Noffsinger hit two 3-pointers during the Lady Wildcat run. Following a timeout, Caldwell County responded with a 6-0 run to tie the game up at 9-9.
The game stayed tight for the remainder of the opening quarter, with Trigg County leading 16-13 when the quarter came to an end. Olivia Noffsinger had a big start to the game for the Lady Wildcats, finishing the opening quarter with 11 points.
The second quarter turned out to be a close, back and forth affair. Over the course of the eight minutes there were four lead changes and a tie. Neither team led by more than three points, until Trigg County scored the final four points of the half to take a 28-23 lead into the locker room at the break.
Turnovers hurt the Lady Tigers in the half, as they committed 10 miscues, which turned into Trigg County points. Caldwell County was able to stay in the game thanks to their work on the glass, as the Lady Tigers had 9 offensive boards, which turned into ten second chance points.
Not much changed in the flow of the came coming out at the start of the second half. Trigg County continued to hold the lead deep into the 3rd quarter. Trailing 33-29, Caldwell County got a quick 6-0 spurt to take a 35-33 lead. Trigg County responded with the last four points of the quarter to take a 37-35 lead into the final eight minutes.
The final quarter was one worthy of tournament time. Trigg County pushed the lead out to four points at 42-38, only to see Caldwell County come right back and cut it to one at 42-41. The Lady Wildcats then extended the lead out to 48-42 inside of the final four minutes. By the time the game reached the two minute mark, Caldwell County had cut it to a one possession game at 48-45.
Trigg County would score their final six points of the game at the free throw line as they held off the Lady Tigers. Olivia Noffsinger knocked down five of her last six shots at the line to help secure the win for Trigg County, as Caldwell County was never able to close within four points over the final two minutes of the game.
The Lady Wildcats, who shot 50 percent during the second half, were led by Olivia Noffsinger, who finished with 21 points, ten of those coming at the line. Adri Phillips ended up with 12 points for the Lady Wildcats. Rylee Bush added 8, while Marleigh Reynolds chipped in with 6.
Majah Hollowell paced the Lady Tigers with 19 points. Bella McConnell finished her career with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Lucy Goffinet ended up with 8 points on the night, Karsyn Parker only scored three points, but was huge on the glass with 19 rebounds.
The win improves Trigg County to 25-8 on the season, and advances the Lady Wildcats to Friday night’s second semifinal game.
Caldwell County finishes the season at 16-15, and as runners-up in the 7th District.
TCHS (25-8) 16 12 9 17 – 54
CCHS (16-15) 13 10 12 15 – 50
INDIVIDUAL SCORING
TCHS: Bush 8, E. Noffsinger 1, Phillips 12, Reynolds 6, O. Noffsinger 21, I. Grubbs 2, K. Grubbs 1, Hyde 3
CCHS: McConnell 12, Hollowell 19, Goffinet 8, Jaggers 4, Parker 3, Gray 1, McDaniels 3
