New Palestine High School

The New Palestine girls basketball team built an early lead Tuesday, but succumbed to a 16-point run to start the second half and dropped a 46-37 decision to Greenwood. The Dragons started strong, as Isabella Gizzi scored six first-quarter points and the defense forced seven turnovers in the opening frame, turning many into baskets. Kylee Beranek, Tylar Whitaker, Sadey Hughbanks and Vivian Miller all scored to give the Dragons a 14-5 lead after one. After surrendering the first basket of the second quarter, the Dragons got a steal and a hoop by Gizzi to go up 16-7. But Greenwood's defense would begin forcing turnovers and the Woodmen scored seven straight points to cut the lead to two. A basket by Whitaker helped the Dragons maintain an 18-16 edge at the break. But Greenwood scored the first 18 points of the second half to go up 34-18 before Gizzi scored seven straight points off a runner, a 3-pointer and another basket in transition, cutting the deficit to single digits. A 3-pointer at the buzzer trimmed the deficit to 35-28 going into the fourth quarter. The Dragons had the first possession of the frame, but were unable to take advantage. Greenwood hit two timely 3-pointers to stave off a comeback attempt. Gizzi scored 22 points, including 16 of the Dragons' 19 second-half points as they looked to come back. Beranek and Whitaker scored four each. Miller tallied three. Hughbanks and Nevaeh Gebhart scored two each. Ella Stivers led Greenwood with 16 points, with 11 coming in the second half. Guard Lily Howe hit three second-half 3-pointers and scored 13. The Dragons are now 2-1 on the season. They next play Tuesday at Franklin Central. The Dragons won the JV game 34-31 behind 17 points from Natalie Sevier.