Southlake Carroll outshoots Keller Timber Creek in district opener

By Louie Horvath

Special to the Star-Telegram

SOUTHLAKE -- Southlake Carroll opened its District 4-5A season with a 57-39 win against Keller Timber Creek behind some hot shooting from long distance.

The Dragons (6-7) hit two 3-pointers to start the game, and they kept that hot shooting going. They were 9 of 18 from 3-point range, and Gretchen Morrison was 6 of 7 by herself to lead the Lady Dragons with 18 points.

"That is what she is supposed to do, so it's great," Carroll coach Teri Morrison said. "I think other kids feed off that. If you don't get on her, it's going in. That's the kind of player she is. I have to give her credit, we have two-hour practices, and she's on her own for an extra hour."

At halftime Gretchen Morrison was almost keeping up with Timber Creek (10-5) all by herself. She had 15 while the Lady Falcons had 19.

While shooting 50 percent from 3-point land is high for any single game, on the season, Carroll has shot 42 percent as a team from behind the arch, so they've been accurate from that range all season.

Kennedy Leonard found Morrison on multiple occasions, helping Leonard accumulate six assists. She stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points and five rebounds, as well.

The Dragons' defense was especially tough in the early going, as they hounded the Falcons into turnovers and bad shots, jumping out to a commanding 19-3 lead.

"When we play like that, that's a team identity," coach Morrison said. "They were hitting 3s, the transition was good. It's huge because it puts them back on their heels and they have to climb uphill. It allows a lot more flexibility in the game."

Timber Creek was led by Emily Spector, who scored 11 points. Hilary Kelley chipped in nine points and nine rebounds.

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