New Palestine High School

The New Palestine girls basketball team took an early lead, and then held off multiple Eastern Hancock charges to win 62-59 on Senior Night. The Dragons had four players in double figures, led by Brooklyn Crim's 17 points. Kendra Moore added 14, while Sadey Hughbanks tallied 12 and Gabbie Brown 10. A big start carried the Dragons early, as Hughbanks and Brown hit back-to-back baskets early to put NP on top. Crim hit a late-quarter triple and Moore a three-point play to put NP up 18-7. EH scored the last basket of the quarter to cut the lead to nine. The Royals began to cut into the lead in the second. Crim tallied five points in the quarter and Moore drilled a 3-pointer, as NP had solid balance - six different players scored - and led 34-29 at the break. The Dragons broke things open in the third. A mid-quarter triple by Moore gave NP a 41-35 lead. Crim followed with a three-point play to extend the lead to nine. After two Hughbanks free throws, Brown and Moore finished the quarter with back-to-back triples, putting NP up 52-39. EH had a late charge. Crim hit two early shots in the fourth quarter, but the Royals hit an early 3-pointer to cut the lead to 10, and then Kenzie Koch led a comeback attempt. Crim hit two early baskets, and then NP was unable to score from the field after. Koch scored 12 points in the quarter to draw the Royals close, but four straight free throws by Hughbanks and Flagle made it a 61-56 game. Koch's last 3-pointer cut the Dragons' lead to three, but Murdick iced the game at the line with a late free throw. In addition to the four double-figure scorers, Flgale tallied four points, Murdick three and Kenna Tweedy two. Koch led EH with 29 points. The Dragons' JV also won 48-17 to finish the season 19-1. The Dragons open sectional play Wednesday at Rushville against Greenwood. The 14 wins are the most in a regular season since the Dragons went 15-7 in 2019-20.