New Palestine High School

The New Palestine girls basketball team used its defense to lead to offense Tuesday, building a big early lead and never looking back in a 68-24 victory over Hoosier Heritage Conference foe New Castle. The Dragons jumped out to a 20-4 lead after a quarter and led 41-12 at halftime, forcing 12 first-quarter turnovers and more than 20 in the opening half, turning many of those steals into fast-break baskets. Isabella Gizzi and Tylar Whitaker sparked the game's start, as the Dragons scored the game's first six points and quickly built a double-digit lead. Gizzi scored eight points and Whitaker six in the opening frame, while Sadey Hughbanks added four points In the second quarter, Gizzi scored 11 points - many on breakaway layups - and Vivian Miller added eight, including a 3-pointer and a conventional three-point play - as the Dragons outscored the visitors 21-8 in the frame. The 24 points allowed were the fewest for a Dragons team since a 61-24 victory over Southport Nov. 14, 2020. The Dragons triggered a running clock in the third quarter, witih Gizzi scoring six points and Hughbanks five in the frame. The Dragons hit 23 field goals and were 21-of-25 from the line in the contest. Gizzi scored 27 points - her fourth consecutive game scoring at least 25. She improved her career total to 1,287 points. Miller added 12, her second consecutive games in double figures. Hughbanks tied her career high with nine points. Whitaker also scored nine, tallying her career high. Allie Blum added six points, while Ella Holman added five. Emma Hart led New Castle with 17 of the Trojans' 24 points. The Dragons are now 5-3 on the season and 1-0 in HHC play. They continue a five-game stretch against conference foes Saturday at Delta, with an 11:30 a.m. JV and 1 p.m. varsity start. The Dragons won the JV game 53-41, led by 15 points from Gabrielle Brown, 14 from Kendra Moore and 11 from Natalie Sevier.