State-ranked Palmyra girls roll in opening round of Tony Lenzini Tournament

January 16, 2024 | By Muddy River Sports

Palmyra’s Alaina Loman (1) handles the ball during the Panthers opening round of the Tony Lenzini basketball Tournament against the Van-Far Indians, Monday in Palmyra. Mathew Kirby (Herald WhigCourier Post)

Palmyra guard Alaina Loman handles the ball during Monday night's game against Van-Far in the opening round of the Tony Lenzini Tournament in Palmyra, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — The target on their backs isn’t bothering the Palmyra girls basketball players.

Ranked fifth in the latest Class 3 state poll and seeded No. 1 for the 81st Tony Lenzini Tournament, the Panthers outscored Van-Far 24-1 in the second quarter Monday night and cruised to a 69-37 victory in the opening round at Palmyra High School.

Candra King scored eight of her game-high 21 points in the second quarter, while Sydney Compton had seven of her 16 points in the frame.

In the other girls quarterfinal, fourth-seeded Monroe City held fifth-seeded Highland to single digits in three of the four quarters and earned a 49-29 victory. Naaron Hays made three 3-pointers in the third quarter and four overall as part of a 17-point effort for the Panthers. Mari Gares added 14 points.

Rothweiler led the Cougars with 11 points, and Addy Abell chipped in with 10 points.

Palmyra and Monroe City will square off in the tournament semifinals at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

In the boys quarterfinals, Monroe City held off Hannibal for a 42-40 victory. Quincy Mayfield led Monroe City with 13 points. Quinn Thomas led the Pirates with 15 points, and C.J. Anderson added 10.