The Tornado girls basketball team pulled out a thrilling 57-54 win against Mt. Zion in the penultimate game of the Thanksgiving Tournament.  The game was close throughout and within one score for much of the final minutes. 

Taylorville scored the game's first eight points but Mt. Zion responded, drawing level before the home side went up four points to end the first quarter.  The next two quarters finished with Tornado leads of three and four points, respectively. 

The Braves struggled from beyond the arc in the first half, attempting many such shots with no success.  That changed in the second half, with Ava Anderson hitting four three-point shots of her side's six.  The three helped put Mt. Zion ahead on two occasions, each by a point.

Mt. Zion stayed within striking distance of Taylorville for much of the fourth quarter, including several possessions of their own down just a point.  However, mistakes - including a travel call in the final seconds - let them down.

Taylorville was strong in the paint, especially through Grace Rogers.  She hit ten free throws as part of a 22-point performance, earning herself the title of Chill Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the Game.  Baileigh Jackson - who was Taylorville's top scorer each of the previous three games - had 14, while Ava Anderson led the way across both teams with 24 points. 

The Tornadoes improve to 3-1 and are scheduled to face Civic Memorial tomorrow at 5 p.m. for the Thanksgiving Tournament title.  Mt. Zion is now 3-3, with the losses following the wins.  They are up against Rochester tomorrow.