THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Central High School Athletics

Montrose came into the game with the fourth-best RPI in Class 4A and a four-game winning streak. Central entered the game on a four-game skid. On paper, the Indians' visit should have been a successful one. But basketball isn't played on paper. Just ask Central sophomore Leah Redding. Redding scored 22 points to lead the previously reeling Warriors to a 48-45 overtime upset of Montrose, handing the Indians (17-3, 4-1 SWL) their first league loss. Talk about a confidence booster for Central (7-12, 2-4). "My girls did exactly what they were asked to do," said Central coach Mary Doane. "They played like it was practice. They tried to do nothing more and nothing less but keep it within themselves." Redding scored 15 of her points in the first half and the Warriors found themselves in a 23-23 tie early in the third. That's when Nikki Madaris took over, making three baskets in the quarter as Central took a 37-29 lead to the final quarter. "Leah was a huge part of (the win), but Nikki coming out at halftime after being in foul trouble and starting some scoring for us in the third quarter was big," Doane said. Montrose started the fourth on an 8-0 run to tie the game thanks to baskets by Caraline Burwell, Brenna Moss and Allie Nichols, who scored eight of her team-high 16 points in the quarter. The teams traded points down the stretch before going to overtime, as Mya Murdock, who finished with 12, made a layup to give Central a 41-39 lead with 3:40 left. That was answered by Michaela Ladage before Nichols gave Montrose a 43-41 lead with two minutes left. Central forced overtime thanks to a pair of Redding free throws with 37 seconds remaining. Tied at 45-45 in overtime, Redding and Murdock converted at the free-throw line down the stretch to provide Central the winning points.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Central High School Athletics

LADY WARRIORS TOP MONTROSE IN OVERTIME

NATHAN DEAL

Daily Sentinel | 2/8/2019