DANVILLE, Ky. – Maryville's opening game of the 2024-25 campaign drew a determined Centre squad that continued its hot start to the season. Centre on its home floor pulled away in the second half for a 65-47 decision at the Lee's Famous Recipe/Hampton Inn Classic.
The Colonels improved to 6-1 on the young season by outscoring Maryville 12-4 in the third quarter and 28-16 for the second half to extend a six-point lead at intermission.
Ella Haney scored 17 points for the best opening-game total of her career. The Murfreesboro junior was 7-of-13 from the floor, including 2-of-5 from long range.
Kadence Stoner added 10 points and led the Scots with seven rebounds and two steals.
Halle Kitchen was the top assist player on the Maryville side with three in her collegiate debut.
Olivia Cathers scored seven points for the Scots,
Braxton Fritz six and
Emily Allen five.
Haney scored eight of her 17 points in the opening quarter, capped by a 3-pointer in the closing seconds that pulled the Scots within 18-14 after 10 minutes. The Scots were still within striking distance down 37-31 at halftime thanks to five points apiece in the second quarter from Cathers and Allen.
But after Stoner's early bucket to start the second half, Centre limited Maryville to just two points over the final 9:42 of the quarter to pull away. Stoner scored all four Maryville points in the third quarter.
Bailey Rucker and Lindsay Jessie paced Centre in scoring with 15 and 14 points, respectively. Arin Nipp grabbed a dozen boards and six assists, and Rucker contributed 10 rebounds.
Maryville on Saturday takes on Berry, which saw its three-game winning streak to start the season halted Friday by Hanover in an 87-78 defeat. Tipoff is 1 p.m.
