Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City raced to an early lead and went on to post a 60-42 victory Saturday over St. Anthony in the third place game of the National Trail Conference Girls Basketball Tournament, played in Beecher City.

The Lady Bobcats built a 21-11 lead after the first eight minutes and extended it to 38-22 at halftime. The Lady Bulldogs closed to within 46-33 after three quarters, but never really threatened CHBC down the stretch.

The Lady Bobcats, who were seeded No. 2 in the tourney but got upset by Brownstown/St. Elmo in the semifinals, were led by Jaelyn Robertson’s 26 points. CHBC is now 17-5 on the season.

St. Anthony got 14 points from Riley Guy.

Altamont received a scare from BSE in the championship game before pulling away for a 53-46 win. Neoga beat North Clay 50-45 in the consolation final.

Altamont’s Allyson Hardiek was named the Most Valuable Player and headed a 12-girl all-tournament team. St. Anthony’s Riley Guy was part of that squad, as was Claire Wilhour (BSE), Jaelyn Robertson (CHBC), Mary Guse (Altamont), Olivia Campbell (BSE), Hannah Hayes (Windsor/Stew-Stras), Olivia Titus (Neoga), Allyson Czyzewski (North Clay), Kylee Phillips (Neoga), Carsen Burks (CHBC) and Brooke Runge (Altamont).

The Lady Bulldogs, now 8-13, will return to action Monday at home against South Central.