DIAMOND, Mo. — All five starters scored in a one-sided first quarter, and the College Heights Christian girls basketball team rode the fast start to a 64-28 win over Diamond on Saturday in the championship game of the Gem City Classic.
The Cougars took control early, racing out to a 19-4 lead.
“Our kids played really, really well,” College Heights coach John Blankenship said. “We’ve been focusing on two components in practice and that’s our defense and our transition. They executed both really well tonight. Our defense led to our transition. The girls are running the floor really well and we’re getting some easy baskets.”
Sophomore guard Klohe Burk poured in 26 points to lead the Cougars, nearly matching the Wildcats’ point total by herself. Burk made 9-of-11 field goal attempts and hit five 3-pointers in the game.
“Klohe shot the ball really well tonight,” Blankenship said. “She had a great game.”
Grace Bishop added 18 points and seven assists for College Heights, while Catie Secker had nine points and 11 rebounds. Kaynahn Burk contributed seven points, six assists and three steals, while Lainey Lett chipped in four points and seven rebounds.
Diamond’s Makaylynn Lafferty scored 12 points and Taaron Drake added nine.
The Cougars used good ball movement to get high-percentage shots again and again in the opening frame. College Heights led 19-4 by the time the first quarter concluded.
“We have good team unity and our girls are willing to share the ball,” Blankenship said. “We’re learning to trust each other. When there’s an open person, we’re making the extra pass and getting good looks. When we knock down shots like that it picks up our defense. And that was instrumental in us getting off to a good start tonight.”
On the other hand, the Wildcats struggled offensively with cold shooting and turnovers, many of which led directly to CHC layups.
Klohe Burk caught fire from the perimeter in the second quarter, as she hit four 3-pointers. Her last trey of the first half gave College Heights a commanding 44-13 halftime advantage.
The Cougars led 55-19 at the end of the third period, and there was a running clock in the final frame.
College Height is now 4-0 after earning three straight wins at the tourney.
“When we play together, we’re pretty good,” Blankenship said. “We’re excited about what we’re doing and what we’re working on in practice. I’m excited to see what these kids can do the rest of the season.”
College Heights hosts Purdy on Monday.
GEM CITY CLASSIC
GIRLS
Title game: College Heights 64, Diamond 29
Third place: Sarcoxie def. McAuley
Consolation: Greenfield 36, East Newton 26
Seventh place: Southwest 53, Lockwood 44
BOYS
Title game: Purdy 58, Lighthouse Christian 41
Third place: Galena 51, Diamond 41
Consolation: Thomas Jefferson 60, Wheaton 54
Seventh place: Sarcoxie 54, McAuley Catholic 35
