BI-DISTRICT CHAMPS: Big Third Quarter Send Lady Eagles Past Pine Tree

Photo Credit: Donovan Bridgeforth

MINEOLA, Texas (TXAN 24) - On Tuesday night the UIL Girls Basketball Bi-District round continued with more East Texas match-ups on the slate. Lindale and Pine Tree met in Mineola for a pineywood tip-off.

The pre-game began with a star spangled banner that is was by far the best display I've seen this basketball season on the high school level at by Mineola High School. You can view the presentation here.

Once tip-off began, these two East Texas squads clawed and scrapped for every position and possession; indicative of a true playoff atmosphere. Pine Tree was on the beneficial end of this pace of the game and came out to and early 8-5 lead over Lindale when the first quarter was all said and done. By the time the game reached halftime the score board reflected was the game had displayed; which was an evenly matched game at 15 a piece.

Lindale's junior forward Ella Hutchens was a deciding factor for the difference in the game during the third quarter with rebounds, multiple blocks, and scoring. Hutchens and the Lady Eagles held an eleven point lead of Pine Tree with a score of 29-18 heading into the final period.

Good defense and ball movement on the offensive end helped the Lady Eagles tack on to that double digit lead and increase it to nearly twenty points at the halfway mark of the quarter. They cruised to a secure victory and earned the Bi-District Championship and will now advance to the Area round.

Final Score:

Lindale - 43

Pine Tree - 23