New Palestine High School

The New Palestine girls basketball team was missing multiple starters Saturday, but took charge early in each half to beat host Batesville 59-39. Senior Allie Blum scored a career-high 23 points, while sophomore Sadey Hughbanks tied her career high witih 15 points. The victory was also the first varsity head coaching win for the Dragons' Craig Moore. With multiple starters missing, two players - sophomores Kenna Tweedy and Natalie Sevier - made their first career starts Saturday. They contributed early - Tweedy hit a first-quarter 3-pointer and Sevier an early basket - but the two returning starters in the lineup helped lead the Dragons to a strong start. Blum scored seven first-quarter points and Hughbanks five to lead NP to a 20-8 lead after one. Batesville rallied, outscoring the Dragons 14-7 in the second quarter. Kendra Moore drilled a 3-pointer to help stave off the Bulldogs' run and give the Dragons a 27-22 halftime lead. The Dragons broke the game open with a 26-point third quarter. The Dragons got to the line often, hitting 11-of-11 from the stripe in the frame. Hughbanks had an early three-point play and later added a triple for her eight points in the frame. Blum scored 10 points in the quarter, while Sevier added four, giving the Dragons a 53-28 lead going into the final frame. Blum scored all six of the Dragons' points in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory. The Dragons were 22-for-27 from the free throw line in the contest. In addition to the two double-figure scorers, Moore contributed eight points in her second varsity start. Sevier added six points and Tweedy five. Allyson White scored two points off the bench. The Dragons (1-1) are next in action Wednesday at Greenwood.