Big first quarter carries West Hancock, while Central-Southeastern relies on suffocating defense

QUINCY — A pair of girls basketball teams hoping to build momentum before tackling the challenging task of being the No. 1 seed in a holiday tournament gained a much-needed boost Thursday night.

It just happened to come in vastly different ways.

West Hancock, the No. 1 seed in the Beardstown Lady Tiger Classic, used a 22-point first quarter to take control and allowed just six points in the third quarter to help cement a 58-49 victory over Columbia (Mo.) Father Tolton in the Rumble on the River at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center.

Central-Southeastern, the No. 1 seed in the State Farm Holiday Classic small-school girls bracket, then limited Fort Madison (Iowa) to one field goal in the second and third quarters each and punctuated the week-long, 20-game shootout with a 49-16 victory.

In Thursday’s first game, West Hancock buried three 3-pointers in the first quarter and six overall in leading from start to finish. Senior guard Lillie Woodworth led the Titans with 20 points and six rebounds, earning game MVP honors. Jadyn Climer added nine points.

In the nightcap, the Panthers limited the Bloodhounds to four points in the second quarter and two in the third quarter. Junior guard Lauren Miller, who earned game MVP honors, led CSE with 16 points, while Karly Peters added 14.