By STEVE KNOX
Osceola Times
Manila held its own in the first quarter but was unable to keep up with Episcopal Collegiate School over the final three periods and dropped a 51-32 decision Thursday in the first round of the 3A Girls State Tournament at Lamar High School.
Manila played tough during the first eight minutes as senior guard Madison Hitchcock hit a long three-pointer to give the Lady Lions a 3-2 lead. Jenna LaRose hit a jump shot from the right elbow moments later and Manila had a 5-2 lead over the Lady Wildcats.
ECS scored the next six points to take an 8-5 advantage but Manila’s LaRose buried a three from the top of the key to tie the game at 8-8. ECS hit a jumper in the lane for a 10-8 lead before Manila’s Hadleigh Cohn tipped in a Hitchcock miss to tie the game at 10-10. On the next Manila possession, post player Madyson Deeds hit a spinner in the lane for a 12-10 Lady Lions lead. Manila’s Kinley Shelton scored the final point of the opening period, converting one-of-two free throws with 43.9 seconds to play for a 13-10 lead.
After ECS got within two points on its first possession of the second period at 13-12, Manila’s Hitchcock scored a layup to make it 15-12.
ECS then hit a pair of free throws at the 6:47 mark of the quarter to get within one point at 15-14.
Manila’s Hitchcock followed with a baseline jump shot to make it 17-14 Lady Lions. ECS tied the game moments later at 17-17 on a three pointer. The Lady Wildcats ended the half on a 16-0 run as they held Manila scoreless for the final six minutes. ECS held a 30-17 lead at the break. In all, ECS outscored Manila 20-4 in the second period.
Manila’s Deeds scored the first basket of the second half to get Manila within 11 points.
Moments later, the Lady Lions Hitchcock stole the ball and drove in for a layup to make it a 30-21 game.
After a ECS three-pointer made it 33-21, Hitchcock hit a layup, was fouled and convert the and-one opportunity to make it 33-24 with 4:07 remaining in the period.
ECS scored the next two baskets before LaRose’s layup made it 37-26 after three quarters.
LaRose began the fourth quarter with a steal and a layup to get the Lady Lions within nine at 37-28. Another LaRose steal led to a pair of made free throws with 6:19 to play to get Manila within seven points at 37-30.
However, Manila only scored two more points over the last six plus minutes - a layup by Deeds with 2:35 remaining to make it 45-32. ECS scored the last six points of the game to set the final of 51-32.
Manila finished its season with a record of 20-12. Hitchcock, in her final game, led Manila with 12 points. LaRose added 11 points. Deeds scored six points. Cohn had two points and Shelton scored one point.
ECS improved to 29-4 and moves on to play the winner of Valley Springs and Glen Rose Friday 7 p.m.