Maren McCallister dominated from the opening tip on Tuesday, scorching the nets for 35 points and leading New Hope Christian to a 45-40 win over the visiting Heath Bulldogs.
“This was one of the best team wins we’ve had in three years,” New Hope coach Brian McCallister said. “The box score will say that Maren carried us offensively, which she did, but every person contributed. Â
“Jenna Tripp and Eden Leist made many plays tonight that will not show up on any stat sheet. Kayla seemed to get every loose ball. Ivy and Aubrey gave us great effort defensively and Chesnee got some key rebounds for us. Emma and Ruby had a great week of practice helping us to prepare for tonight.”
Heath entered the second quarter with a 12-10 lead, but McCallister quickly went to work to change that nearly outscoring the Bulldogs herself in the second quarter with 12 points.
Jenna Tripp chipped in a three-pointer and Eden Leist drained a pair of free throws to send the Statesmen into halftime with a 27-25 halftime lead.
Both teams are icy from the field coming out of the break. McCallister scored all six of New Hope’s third quarter points.
Heath (5-3) was held to just four points in the period and one field goal, a three from Caroline Robertson.
McCallister scored nine points in the final stanza to help lead the Statesmen to the win.
A big difference came at the charity stripe with the Statesmen hitting 14 of 19 (73.7 percent) free throws compared to the Bulldogs connecting on just 5 of 13 (38.5 percent).
McCallister made 11 of those free throws against 14 (78.6 percent) attempts.
Robertson had 22 points to pace the Bulldogs.
The Statesmen (5-2) travel to Walt Disney World over the Christmas break for a three-game tournament.
“I’m excited to see how we compete against some good teams from across the country,” McCallister said.
New Hope 45,
Heath 40
HEATH — Taliyah Holmes 4-2-11, Caroline Robertson 9-0-22, Sydney Cottrell 1-1-3, Amya Rouster 1-0-2, Peyton DeLCelato 0-2-2. Three-point goals — Robertson (4) and Holmes. Total — 15 5-13 40.
NEW HOPE — Maren McCallister 12-11-35, Jenna Tripp 1-1-4, Eden Leist 0-2-2, Ivy Hines 1-0-2, Kayla Winter 1-0-2. Three-point goals — Tripp. Total — 15 14-19 45.
Quarter scores 1 2 3 4 F
Heath 12 13 4 11 40
New Hope 10 17 6 12 45
Coming to Circleville this September!