By Don Ketchum

With his top player sitting out with an injured ankle and an untested lineup featuring young players, Phoenix Thunderbird High girls basketball coach Barry Ringel wasn’t sure what to expect from his team in Wednesday’s third day of competition in the Lady Jags Invitational at Anthem Boulder Creek.

Thunderbird had won its tourney opener by two points in overtime over Phoenix Shadow Mountain, then dropped a 20-point decision to host Boulder Creek on Tuesday.

Up next was Phoenix Central, a feisty group led by long-time Phoenix Union District coach John Trujillo.

Ringel waited and waited and waited for something to happen, for his team to make its move.

It came in the fourth quarter. The Lady Chiefs came up with a big defensive effort, holding Central to just four points, and went on to post a 38-26 victory.

“Our defense was great. It’s been great all three games,’’ Ringel said. “I think our pressure defense wore them (Central) down a bit.’’

Guard Lillian Southwick turned an ankle in practice last week and will return when Thunderbird begins regular-season play next week.

Ringel was pleased to see Jessica Franco step up. The 5-foot-9 junior scored 10 points.

“She did well in most areas of the game,’’ Ringel said.

The tournament continues on Friday with four games, including the championship game at 8:30 p.m.