![Central Catholic](https://www.wjbc.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/389/2017/02/CCHSGBBstate.jpg)
By Eric Stock
NORMAL – Central Catholic held an All-State scorer in check for the second straight night, but the defending state champion Byron Tigers found other ways to score in rolling to a 55-32 win in the Class 2A Girls State Championship at Redbird Arena.
Paige Holloway led the Tigers with 22 points, including 4-for-8 from beyond the arc, including back-to-back treys late in the 3rd quarter as Bryon’s lead grew to 35-20.
PODCAST: Listen to the postgame interview with CCHS coach Debbie Coffman.
PODCAST: Listen to the postgame interview with CCHS sophomore Lauren Shanks.
First-team All-State senior Lexi Devries added 10 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
The Saints fell behind 8-3 after the first quarter, missing 10 of 11 field goal attempts and committed 11 turnovers. CCHS ended the half on an 8-0 capped by a Sarah Brady 3 from the left corner to trim the Tigers lead to 19-16 at the break.
The Tigers (34-2) established command in the third quarter, outscoring the Saints 22-8.
The Saints (22-11) committed 31 turnovers as they struggled to solve the Tigers’ 1-3-1 zone defense.
Brady led the Saints with 10 points.
Central Catholic will hold a celebration in the school auditorium Sunday at 1 p.m.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].