GRAHAMSVILLE--"This team is a work in progress," Tri-Valley coach Jason Closs explained in post-game comments Tuesday night following the Bears 50-43 win over Liberty.
A close game that might have gone either way was decided in the second quarter of play as Tri-Valley outscored the Indians 18-11 off five points by Jackie Musa, five points including a tray by Katie Jester, four points by Autumn Bender and foul shots by Kacie Allison and Kayla Butler.
First quarter scoring gave Tri-Valley a 9-8 one-point lead, both teams scored 12 points in the third quarter and Liberty edged Tri-Valley in the final eight minutes of play 12-11.
Tri-Valley took an eight-point half time lead of 27-19 and was able to keep that lead as Liberty's freshman guard Kelsey Morgans lit up the scoreboard for a total of 22 points off 3 trays, five 2's and three foul shots.
Morgans started slow with no points in the first quarter but added eight in the second quarter, nine in the third quarter and five in the fourth quarter.
Kelsey showed poise in her ball handing, dribbling, penetration to the basket and outside scoring.
Liberty coach Beth Quatrale noted that for a freshman Morgans "is coming along nicely."
Additional scoring for Liberty had Karisa Yoli with nine points off three 2's and three foul shots and Olivia Racette with eight points off two trays and two foul shots.
Quatrale in post-game comments pointed out "as a team we put a few more free throws in it makes a whole difference in a game but that's a maturing thing and an experience thing."
"We've come a long way and I started two girls tonight that this is their first year playing basketball," coach Quatrale said.
Jackie Musa led Tri-Valley's scoring with 12 points off five 2's and two foul shots followed by Elizabeth Hannold with 10 points off three 2's and four free throws. Morgan Shamro added six point off three 2's. Adding five points each were Katie Jester and Samantha Raymond.
Both teams committed numerous turnovers with Liberty giving up the ball 32 times and Tri-Valley 27.
Following this non-league game Tri-Valley's record is now 2-3 and Liberty falls to 2-8.
Coach Closs felt the Bears "had more energy in this game and have had a real good series of practices where I saw some things I hope would translate to the floor."
"Our bench energy was also good and this showed up with players coming off the bench in the second quarter where we scored 18 points," Closs added.
Coach Closs had high praise for Liberty's Morgans calling her "scrappy, athletic, physical and she not only scores but does a lot of other things too."
Tri-Valley has a heavy schedule this week, facing Eldred at home last night, at Saugerties today and at home against Middletown Monday.
Tri-Valley senior Katie Jester (11) shoots a three-pointer as Liberty's Kelsey Morgans attempts the block. Morgans was the high scorer for the night with 22 points as the Bears won 50-43.
Tri-Valley's Elizabeth Hannold (20) is fouled by Liberty's Evelyn Baragan in the Bears 50-43 win Tuesday.
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