Canton Holds Off Bulldogs For State Championship Bid

By David Sharp

   Canton jumped out to a ten point lead in March 19, 2009 Class 2
girls’ semi final play at Columbia. The Lady Tigers (29-2) appeared headed to
an easy win when New Franklin (28-3) roared back with a 13-4 second half run,
cutting the Canton lead to 28-21 with two minutes remaining in the third
quarter.

   The Lady Bulldogs pulled within six points when Katie Chitwood
drilled a three pointer and followed with a New Franklin free throw with 4:20
remaining in the fourth quarter. New Franklin could get no closer.

   Canton second chance points and a 30-19 overall team rebound advantage
led to a 50-40 Lady Tiger win. Canton takes on Sparta (30-0) who downed Couch
by a 59-38 final in the other Class 2 girls’ semi-final.

   The Lady Tigers led 10-2 after one quarter and 24-8 at intermission.
New Franklin pressured the basketball, creating a more even game. Tori Niemann
drove the lane and scored with 4:05 showing on the fourth quarter clock.

   The Canton hoop paused another Bulldog threat. Jessie Logsdon
stole the basketball and completed a back breaking three point play with 2:12
showing on the game clock for a 41-30 Tiger lead.

   Kelsea McClellan tossed in a New Franklin three at the two
minute mark for a 41-33 edge. Lindsey Lillard recorded another key Canton
steal, and pulled down an offensive rebound of a missed free throw around the
1:40 mark of the fourth quarter.

   Tori Niemann and Jessie Logsdon shared game scoring honors with
17 Canton points each. Niemann also pulled down 11 rebounds. Kristyn Caldwell
and Lindsey Lillard scored eight points each. Samantha Ginter led New Franklin
with 12 points.