Molly McGraw attempts a free throw as her Central Catholic Saints earned a 67-22 win over host Normal Community in the second night of the Intercity Girls Basketball Tournament in Normal, Ill. on November 14, 2012.  (Photo by Greg Halbleib/WJBC)

By Greg Halbleib

NORMAL - The Corn Belt Conference entries took victories in the second night of the Intercity Girls Basketball Tournament on Wednesday night at Normal Community High School.

U-High overcame a slow start to defeat Normal West 43-20. The teams were tied 4-4 at the end of the first quarter, but the Pioneers held West to just a bucket in the second quarter to take an 18-6 at halftime on their way to the win.

"We finally got some easy baskets right before halftime and we got on a little bit of a better roll in the second half offensively," said U-High coach Laura Sellers. "I just felt we were trying to push the issue way too much. We didn't have very good floor spacing on the offensive end and we spread out a little bit, and defensively they were all over us, so we could get some easy drives to the basket."

Chante Stonewall and Emma Stroyan each led the Pioneers with 10 points, while Tia Robertson led the Wildcats with 6 points.

In the nightcap, Central Catholic outscored Normal Community 22-2 in the first eight minutes on the way to a 67-22 win. "We talked about taking care of the ball a little better than we did," said Saints coach Debbie Coffman, "but the kids played hard and it looked like they had playing together for a while. It was nice to see."

The Saints were led in scoring with 19 points from Danielle Davis while Molly McGraw contributed 16 and Caroline Holt chipped in 13. The Iron were led by 6 points from Abby Bender.

The tournament continues Friday at NCHS with U-High taking on Central Catholic at 6 p.m. followed by Normal West and Bloomington at 7:30.