Paxton girls hoops ousted in state semis

Staff report

A surprising season came to a disappointing end for the Paxton girls basketball team in the Class A state semifinals.

The Bobcats lost to Lake Worth Trinity Christian 44-30 at the Lakeland Center in Lakeland on Wednesday.

The loss ended Paxton’s bid for a fifth state title in girls basketball. They had been a perfect 8-0 at state prior to Wednesday’s loss.

In a game where the respective offenses struggled, rebounding was the key. Neither team was able to shoot 30 percent from the field, but when the Warriors missed they had a shot a second-chance baskets.

Trinity Christian outrebounded the Bobcats 60-27, with 32 of those coming on the offensive end. Paxton had just six offensive rebounds.

Crystal Connors and Danielle McCray dominated the glass with 18 rebounds each for Trinity Christian. Vikki Pepper led the Bobcats in rebounding with nine.

Paxton stayed within striking distance most of the game, trailing 16-10 at the end of the first quarter and 23-13 at the half.

However, without a consistent offensive effort, the Bobcats were unable to cut into the Warrior lead.

After burning FAMU for 16 points on a night when she hit four 3-pointers, senior Maryllyn Gilbert scored just six points and didn’t hit a 3-pointer. Gilbert’s struggles were reflective of those of the entire team.

Erin Walker led Paxton with nine points and Pepper had eight.

Paxton finished the season with a 25-6 record.

Trinity 16 7 12 9 — 44

Paxton 10 3 6 11 — 30

TRINITY (44)

Faulkner 20, Wolfe 2, Connors6, McCray 8, Davis 2, Morrison 6. Totals 18 1 5-14 44.

PAXTON (30)

Maryllyn Gilbert 6, Erin Walker 9, Stevie Davidson 3, Katie Kinkey 2, Vikki Pepper 8, Emmalee Infinger 2, Totals 13 4-6 30.