Graham’s ‘grit’ stuns Urbana

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ST. PARIS – Graham made just one three-pointer Friday night, but it sent the game against Urbana to overtime and the Falcons prevailed 64-63 in the extra period in CBC/MRD girls basketball.

Sarah Henry hit the long ball and finished with 14 points for Graham. Taylor Gibson was the team’s high-scorer with 19 points, including the final two free throws with three seconds remaining to take the lead and win the game. Kayla Tullis finished with 10 points.

“We just played hard-nosed defense,” GHS Coach Steve Flora said. “We talked all week about having grit – finding their own grit and not giving up. And that’s what they did tonight.”

The Falcons were down by double digits most of the second half, including a 41-28 deficit entering the fourth quarter. But foul trouble forced several key Hillclimbers out of the game as Graham was beginning to chip away at the lead.

Katy Curnutte had 23 points and 7 rebounds for Urbana, while Madisyn Horn had 10 points. Natalie Seeberg had 8 points and 12 rebounds, while Hunter Rogan had 9 points and 7 rebounds.

All four of those players were out of the game late for Urbana after picking up five personal fouls.

“We’ve got to make smarter plays in the fourth quarter,” Urbana Coach Bill Moss said. “But I’m pretty happy. Our young kids stepped up. They fought – the kids that came in off the bench. They took it to the end and and I’m proud of them.”

Graham (2-1) plays at Tippecanoe on Wednesday while Urbana (1-2) plays at Shawnee on Wednesday.

Clarification

In Friday’s Urbana Daily Citizen, the boys prep basketball preview incorrectly listed Sam Niswonger as a member of the Urbana Hillclimbers, while omitting team members Jordan Underwood and Alex Lohnes.

Graham’s Kayla Tullis (32) splits the defense of Hunter Rogan (left) and Katy Curnutte (23) during Friday’s game at Graham High School. Tullis finished with 10 points for the Falcons.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2015/11/web1_Tullis112715.jpgGraham’s Kayla Tullis (32) splits the defense of Hunter Rogan (left) and Katy Curnutte (23) during Friday’s game at Graham High School. Tullis finished with 10 points for the Falcons.

By Justin Miller

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Reach Justin Miller at 652-1331 (ext. 1776) or on Twitter @UDC_Miller.

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