JV girls winners in 5 of first 6 games

Fort Scott's junior varsity girls' basketball team has opened with five victories in its first six games, including winning the Fort Scott Junior Varsity Tournament Dec. 6 and 8, sweeping the competition in three games.

"I'm very proud of the way our JV has started the season," Fort Scott assistant girls' basketball Coach Curt Toll said.

The Tigers began the season with a 43-41 victory over Parsons in overtime in the tournament. Abby Denton led Fort Scott with 19 points. Teammate Bailie Brown added eight and Kennede Reynolds six.

Against LCHS at Altamont on Dec. 7, Fort Scott dropped a 53-40 setback even though Ashley Cook dropped in 20 points. Elisha Hasenplaugh added five.

Back in the tournament on Dec. 8, the Tigers dropped Iola 34-25 as Elisha Hasenplaugh tallied 13 points, and Maddie Barbour and Abby Denton added eight.

The hosts wrapped up the tournament later that day with a 40-34 conquest of Chanute. Abby Denton fired in 18, Elisha Hasenplaugh 10, and Bailie Brown seven.

A 46-39 victory over Coffeyville followed on Dec. 14, as Ericah Shoemaker led the victors with 10 points in a balanced scoring effort. Elisha Hasenplaugh contributed nine, Maddie Barbour seven, and Jillian Lattimer six.

In the last game of the 2012 portion of the schedule, Fort Scott added to its win total with a 44-34 decision of Parsons in a rematch on Dec. 18. Ashley Cook produced 14 points, Elisha Hasenplaugh nine, and Jillian Lattimer eight.

This year's JV squad includes juniors Ericah Shoemaker, who plays part-time with the junior varsity and the varsity; Maddie Barbour, who also sees action with the varsity; sophomores Courtney Rooks; Peyton Quick; Aubree Altic; Kennede Reynolds; Elisha Hasenplaugh, who also sees some varsity play; and Breanna Bailey; and freshmen Bailie Brown, a part-time player for both JV and varsity; Ashley Cook, who also sees split duty; Abby Denton, another player who contributes to both teams; Jillian Lattimer, who does the same with both squads.

"They're working hard in practice to get better and play a role on our team," Toll said.

Fort Scott returns to action tonight at Independence.