MOKANE - The sixth-seeded Lady Wildcats outscored the No. 7 Ladybirds 17-7 in the fourth quarter to rally in the consolation semifinals of the South Callaway Tournament on Wednesday night.
New Bloomfield (4-7) owned a 20-13 advantage after one quarter, but North Callaway (1-10) countered by outscoring the Lady Wildcats 15-8 in the second quarter to tie the game at 28-all at halftime.
The Ladybirds outscored New Bloomfield again in the third quarter 14-8 to take a 42-36 lead, before the Lady Wildcats produced their comeback over the final 8 minutes.
Junior forward Ellie Emerson connected for 17 points to direct three players in double figures for New Bloomfield. Junior guard Asya Nichols added 16 points and senior guard Makenna Branch provided 15 points and eight rebounds.
"I'm very proud of these girls and how they responded after the tough loss Monday (to No. 3 seed Montgomery County 75-44 in first round)," Lady Wildcats head coach Patrick Center said. "We came out ready to play, stayed together, kept fighting even when we were down and came away with the win.
"I thought we had a few times where it could have gotten away from us, but they settled down, stayed focused and made the plays to win."
Freshman guard Abrielle Burgher also tallied 17 points to guide North Callaway. Junior forward Kyanne Kellerman chipped in with 12 points, while senior forward Makenna Allen finished with eight rebounds and five steals.
"It was a hard-fought game," Ladybirds head coach Morgan Beamer said. "We had an eight-point lead early in the fourth quarter - hopefully we learn from this on how to finish a game."
New Bloomfield faces No. 5 seed Russellville for fifth place at 6:30 p.m. Friday. The Lady Indians received a bye in the consolation semifinals.
North Callaway hosts Fayette at 6 p.m. Monday.