Trailing by three points with 1: 45 to play, 18th-ranked Centennial scored the game's final nine points -- seven by senior forward Tia Richardson -- and defeated 15th-ranked Mount Hebron, 45-39, last night in a Howard County league game at Mount Hebron.
"Give Centennial credit," said Mount Hebron coach Scott Robinson. "They hit their shots down the stretch. They made the big plays."
Stacie Tokasz's basket with 7: 38 left in the game gave Centennial (11-2 overall, 8-1 league) it's first lead, 30-29. The Eagles increased their advantage to 34-31 before an 8-2 run by Mount Hebron (10-3, 7-2) gave the Vikings a 39-36 lead with 1: 45 to play.
Ashley Evans then made a free throw but missed the second. Richardson got the rebound and scored to tie the game with 1: 32 left. Richardson then stole the ball and raced in for a layup.
Mount Hebron turned the ball over on its next possession, then Tokasz whipped a pass to the wide-open Richardson underneath, who made the layup and was fouled. Her three-point play made it 44-39 with 30 seconds left.
Richardson ended with 15 points and Tokasz 10.
Pub Date: 1/26/99