GREENFIELD — The Lapel girls basketball team fell 47-41 to host Greenfield-Central on Dec. 19, bringing the Bulldogs’ record to 8-5.
The Bulldogs led through most of the game. But late in fourth quarter, the Cougars outscored the Bulldogs 21-4, overcoming a double-digit deficit to take the lead and the win.
Greenfield-Central had played the night before, and its leading scorer, Hannah Farrell, went down with an ankle injury in the first quarter. The Cougars fell behind 9-0 early and had their backs against the wall.
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Addison Hill put the Cougars on the board with two free throws nearly six minutes into the first quarter to cut the deficit to 9-2. Teammate Crystal Peterson added a baseline 3-pointer, but the Cougars still trailed by seven points after one.
Greenfield-Central stayed close and used an 8-0 run early in the second quarter to cut the lead to a single point. But Lapel responded and pushed the advantage all the way to 11 entering the final quarter.
Despite playing with tired legs, the Cougars dug deep and turned the tide of the game with solid defensive pressure in the fourth quarter. A steal and layup by Farrell closed the gap to 39-33. She scored again after a Lapel turnover, and Hill followed by sinking two free throws in a one-and-one situation. Another steal and put-back by Harrell tied the game at 39-39 with four minutes remaining.
On the next possession, Lapel failed to convert on numerous chances while taking nearly two minutes off the clock. Farrell then connected on two more free throws in a one-and-one, giving Greenfield-Central its first lead at 41-39 with just over two minutes remaining.
The Cougars sealed the deal from the line, hitting their final four attempts.
Morgan Knepp paced Lapel with 15 points. Ashlynn Allman added nine, and Delany Peoples chipped in 8 points to go with 10 rebounds.
The Bulldogs were set to travel to Sheridan today, Thursday, Dec. 27, for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.
