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WARSAW – The Warsaw girls basketball team celebrated its fine senior class Tuesday night in the home finale.

Unfortunately, Kierstin Murphy made sure that there would be no post game celebration on this evening

The Carroll guard tossed in a game-high 24 points as the Chargers topped the Tigers 53-39 in the regular-season finale for Warsaw.

Warsaw, which lost 47-44 at Carroll last year, drops to 12-10 with its third loss in the last four games. Carroll improves to 12-6 with its fifth straight win.

The Tigers, who were coming off a tough 40-32 conference loss at NorthWood Saturday night, had 21 turnovers Tuesday night.

“It was a combination of their defense and us,” said Warsaw coach Michelle Harter of the high number of miscues. “They are long and athletic and got in the passing lanes. And we tried to force some things inside when it was not open too.”

The game was tied at 12-12 after the opening period as Vicki Harris and Madi Graham each had four points for the Tigers in the first quarter.

Carroll took a 27-20 halftime lead as Murphy scored 15 in the opening half. Harris led the Tigers with eight points at intermission.

The Chargers took control in the third period by outscoring Warsaw 13-6 to build a 40-26 advantage. The Tigers had eight turnovers in the pivotal third period of play.

Harter was not discouraged at all by the loss.

“i liked our effort tonight and how our girls battled until the end,” noted Harter. “The girls did some nice things that we can carry over to the sectional next week.

“We had some good opportunities to score. The shots just did not fall for us tonight.”

Warsaw did struggle with its shooting again, a common theme lately for the Tigers. The hosts finished just 13-36 from the field, including 5-16 in the second half. Warsaw was just 1-10 from 3-point range and 12-19 from the free throw line.

Carroll shot 18-40 for the game, including 2-15 from distance. The Chargers were 10-18 from the floor in the final half and went 15-17 at the line and had 16 turnovers.

“Murphy is a nice player for them,” said Harter. “She played very well. She’s a complete type of player. She hit her outside shots and has a nice mid-range game too.”

The Tigers honored seniors Vicki Harris, Pam Miller, Jodie Carlson and Erin Clemens. All four started the contest.

“Our four seniors have done a tremendous job this year leading this team,” remarked Harter. “They have been very positive with our younger players. They lead with their hard work. They do whatever the team needs to be successful. They are very unselfish and team oriented.”

Harris led the Tigers with 11 points. Graham finished with 10, Carlson eight and Clemens six and seven rebounds. Dayton Groninger, the top scorer for Warsaw, had two points as did Miller.

Murphy hit 8-14 shots and 6-6 free throws for her 24 points. Madison Peterson scored 10 points and Kello Damman seven for Carroll.

Carroll won the junior varsity contest 46-36. The Chargers outscored the Tigers 10-0 in the third quarter.

Maryann Marandet led the Warsaw JV team with nine points. Alyssa Adkins and Kenzie Welk each had eight for coach Mindy Stookey’s squad.

Warsaw returns to action next Tuesday (Feb. 10) versus Northridge in the opening game of the Class 4-A Goshen Sectional at 6 p.m. Carroll will play at Fort Wayne Concordia on Wednesday night.