HAGERSTOWN, Ind. – The Lincoln girls basketball team won the Wayne County Tournament title on Saturday with a 66-45 victory over Centerville to claim the 15th title in school history and first since 2013.
“This group of kids had not had the opportunity to win a county championship,” Lincoln coach Rob Bills said. “I was proud of our kids.”
The Golden Eagles flew out to a 14-0 start with 4:32 left in the first period.
“We executed about as well as we could,” Bills said. “We ran through a lot of stuff and we just did it really well. They were very unselfish and we looked for each other. They were just locked in and focused.”
Lincoln was in control by halftime with a 43-21 advantage.
“What it comes down to is doing things the way we teach them and being in the right spot at the right time.” Bills said.
Kerrigan Neff led the Golden Eagles with 20 points, while Kylei Klein finished with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Laynie Russell added 11 points.
“It definitely means a lot,” Klein said. “We have a spectacular team this year. Lots of talent and lots of heart. It’s just amazing for all of us to come together.”
Carlie Doolin led the Bulldogs with nine points. Ella Chew and Kailee Tedder tossed in eight points each.
Both girls teams return to action on Tuesday. Lincoln (13-3) travels to National Trail, while Centerville (4-11) entertains Shenandoah.
Box Score
LINCOLN (13-3) – Allie Owens 1 2-2 5, Laynie Russell 4 2-6 11, Emmie Pugh 3 1-2 8, Kerrigan Neff 8 4-7 20, Kylei Klein 6 3-4 15, Olivia Davis 1 0-0 2, Lauren Weston 0 0-0 0, Hannah Hall 1 0-0 3, Brianna Sparks 1 0-0 2, Rachel Merida 0 0-0 0, Ryanne Davis 0 0-2 0, Kami Laymon 0 0-0 0. Team – 25 12-23 66.
CENTERVILLE (4-11) – Ella Chew 2 2-2 6, Alex McFarland 2 1-2 7, Morgan Guenther 1 0-0 2, Carlie Doolin 2 5-8 9, Cassidy Weiss 1 3-4 5, Kailee Tedder 3 1-3 9, Molly Coomes 2 1-2 6, Katie Lakes 0 0-0 0, Alexis Harmon 0 0-0 0. Team – 13 13-21 45.
Lincoln 20 43 57 66
Centerville 10 21 30 45
3-pointers – Lincoln 4 (Owens, Russell, Pugh, Hall), Centerville 6 (Chew 2, McFarland 2, Tedder, Coomes). Rebounds – Lincoln 35 (Klein 15), Centerville 20 (McFarland 4, Doolin 4). Turnovers – Lincoln 24, Centerville 24. Fouls – Lincoln 17, Centerville 16. Fouled out – None.