STAFF REPORT
COALMONT — There’s nothing quite like saving your best for last, especially in tournament time.
The Community Viqueens erased a five-point deficit in the fourth quarter and went on an 8-0 run to stave off elimination and beat the Forrest Lady Rockets for the second time since Friday evening with Monday night’s 42-40 win in the District 9-2A play-in game.
A lop-sided third quarter in which the Lady Rockets went on a 12-5 run to take a 31-26 lead into the fourth set the stage for a thrilling finish in Monday’s play-in game.
Community’s ability to work to the free throw line, along with a couple of timely treys, gave the Purple and Gold the spark needed to bolt on an 8-0 run.
As a team, the Viqueens shot 8-of-12 attempts from the free throw line in the fourth quarter alone and got key 3-pointers from Mattie Maxey and Anna Haskins to complete the comeback.
In the third quarter, Forrest was the beneficiary of key 3-pointers, coming from Sadie Smith and Kinslee Inlow as part of a 12-5 run.
Community got just two field goals from Maxey and Alyssa White in the period.
In the first half, Community held a slim lead through the first two quarters.
Four Viqueens scored in the opening quarter and White took over and dominated in the paint in the second for six points to help guide the Purple and Gold to a 21-19 lead at the intermission.
Maxey and White were the lone Viqueens to hit double figures, scoring 15 and 12 points, respectively.
Forrest’s Sadie Smith finished with 18 points.
Community’s win advances the Viqueens to face top-seed Cannon County on Wednesday at Grundy County.
Forrest’s season ends with a 14-13 overall record.
Community 10 11 5 16 — 42
Forrest 7 12 12 9 — 40
Community: Mattie Maxey 15, Alyssa White 12, Savannah Pearson 6, Anna Haskins 5, Taylar Wessner 3, Brooklyn Yoes.
Forrest: Sadie Smith 18, Kinslee Inlow 11, Baeliy Stalnecker 8, Anna Rabun 2, Josie Brown.
3-Point goals: Community (6): Maxey 2, Pearson 2, Haskins, Wessner; Forrest (5): Inlow 3, Smith 2.
Halftime score: Community 21, Forrest 19.
