Takayla Gunter scored a game high 26 points on 7 of 13 shooting including 11 of 12 from the free throw line to lead Tuscumbia to a third place finish over Southwest/Livingston County by a final of 74-59.
Tuscumbia forced an uptempo game early on that Southwest was willing to play, but the Lady Lions capitalized on every opportunity and built an 11-4 lead, just over three minutes into the game. Tuscumbia did a good job of getting back on defense, contesting and blocking many shots early.
Southwest freshman Mary Rounkles, the team’s best ball handler went to the bench midway through the first quarter with two fouls.
The Lady Lions forced Southwest into 13 turnovers building a 21-8 lead.
Summer Rush and Takaya Gunter
Tuscumbia continued to pressure the ball at half court as they forced 22 total turnovers in the half. The Lady Lions had balanced scoring from their starting five, with three reaching double figures. Freshman Kaylie Campbell from Southwest scored 13 of their 27 first half points, but played with three fouls.
The game evened out in the second half as Tuscumbia backed off their pressure.
Campbell finished with 21 points for Southwest, and Haylee Johnson added 13.
Tuscumbia closes out the season 28-4 while Southwest ends the year 23-6.
