Ashbaugh scores game-high 25 points in Grant’s win over Fremont

LocalSportsJournal.com

GRANT–The Grant girls basketball team, led by Julie Ashbaugh, rallied in the second half to post a 62-52 come-from-behind victory over the Fremont Packers on Tuesday.

The non-conference game was played in Grant.

Fremont jumped out to an early lead, but Grant battled back to tie the game at 13-13 by the end of the first period.

Fremont held a 15-11 scoring advantage in the second quarter to take a 28-24 lead into the half.

The game continued to be close until the final minutes of the third quarter when the Grant press finally wore down Fremont and forced some turnovers A 7-0 run to end the third quarter gave the Tigers a 46-39 lead into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter started the same as the third ended, with a quick run by Grant to extend their lead to 51-39. The Packers didn’t quit, though, and closed the gap to eight points inside of 2 minutes remaining, but couldn’t get any closer.

Photo courtesy of LSJ Photographer Brittlynn VanSingel

Grant was led by Ashbaugh’s game-high 25 points, including 13-of-14 from the free-throw line. Jaycee Hance and Josie Pleune each added 13 points.

Fremont was led by Jessica Bennett’s 20 points. Olivia Hansen added 16.

“Our effort and energy were outstanding again tonight,” said Fremont coach Wes Zerlaut. “We got off to a quick start offensively and that seemed to build some confidence, which led to more shots falling tonight. We did a really good job of getting the ball inside tonight and we rebounded well throughout the game. Take away the run at the end of the third and beginning of the fourth and we were right there.”

Grant (10-6, 4-3) will travel to Tri-County next Tuesday.

Fremont (5-12, 2-5) will host Oakridge on Tuesday.