Brianna Moore has scored well over 1,000 points in her career at Palmerton.

But for her and the rest of the Blue Bombers, it’s not offensive numbers that get the team motivated.

That feeling comes at the other end of the floor.

Another strong defensive effort Friday night, along with a productive second quarter on offense, allowed Palmerton to pull away from MaST Community Charter and gain a 54-27 victory in the District 11/1 3A subregional final.

“We thrive off of (forcing turnovers), whether it’s off our press or our defense,” said Moore, who also finished with a game-high 17 points. “We really take pride in that, and try to convert with those turnovers. A lot of our points come off of making those turnovers, so they’re really important for us, especially in big games like this.”

The Bombers pressured the Panthers into 18 first-half turnovers, which led to a 31-14 halftime advantage.

And Moore’s new position in Palmerton’s zone helped generate the miscues.

“Brianna did a good job,” said Bomber head coach Dan Beck. “We moved her up to the front ... to be a little destructive and cause some chaos up there. I had to move Sydney (Frantz) down low and she’s doing a good job there despite being a little undersized, putting her body into it. They all played well defensively.”

“We switched, I normally play down low but we moved me up to the top, and I just pressured those girls, tried to create turnovers and create havoc out there,” said Moore. “I thought we worked really well together. All the girls had really good movement and we were able create some big turnovers.”

Despite the solid showing on defense, Palmerton (23-2) was slow out of the gates for a second straight game. The Bombers shot just 4-of-16 in the opening quarter, although that and four free throws managed to give them a 13-7 advantage.

The offense picked it up in the second frame, though, as Raegan Nemeth drilled a three-pointer early in the period and added two more baskets during an 18-7 quarter that pushed the halftime advantage to 31-14. Nemeth finished the contest with 14 points.

“She’s been very consistent lately,” said Beck. “She’s focused. She’s probably shooting 30 percent from the three-point line, and she hits the big ones when we need it. She’s also calm out there. Nothing seems to bother her when she’s out there.”

The Panthers managed to calm down in the second half, protecting the ball better. But while they only turned it over four times in the third, their shooting woes continued - especially from the perimeter.

Palmerton took advantage, using three-pointers from Moore and Bethie Morgan to extend the lead to 41-19 midway through the period.

“They had an off night shooting, maybe it was the long drive, but I saw them on film and some of their kids shoot really well,” said Beck. “They just had a tough night shooting. It happens. We’re just happy to get the win.”

MaST ended the evening 11-of-51 from the floor (21.6%), including just 1-of-16 from three-point range (6.3%).

Brianna Buckly paced the Panthers (18-6) with 11 points, while the Bombers’ Morgan joined Moore and Nemeth in double-digit scoring with 10.

ON TO STATES ... Palmerton will be home Tuesday for the opening round of the state playoffs. The Bombers will play the fourth-seeded team out of District 12. “We’re super excited,” said Moore. “To get this opportunity is really amazing. And to get a home game makes it even better for us. We’re thrilled to be in this spot.”

FROM THE FIELD ... The Bombers shot 18-of-55 for 32.7%, including 5-of-17 from three-point range (29.4%).

MAST CHARTER

Buckley 4-3-8-11, E. Behr 2-0-0-4, S. Washington 1-1-6-4, O. Behr 1-0-1-2, Sweeney 0-0-0-0, A. Washington 1-0-0-2, Fitzsimmons 2-0-0-4, Birchmore 0-0-0-0, Farrell 0-0-1-0, Murphy 0-0-0-0, Edwards 0-0-0-0. TOTALS: 11-4-16-27.

PALMERTON

Bollinger 0-0-0-0, Baumgardt 0-0-0-0, Frantz 0-0-2-0, Peterson 0-0-0-0, Barry 3-0-0-6, Matsko 0-3-6-3, Pengelly 1-0-0-2, Balliet 0-2-2-2, Nemeth 5-2-2-14, Andrews 0-0-0-0, Morgan 3-2-2-10, Moore 6-4-5-17. TOTALS: 18-13-19-54.

MaST Charter 7 7 8 5 - 27

Palmerton 13 18 15 8 - 54

Three-pointers: MaST Charter - S. Washington 1; Palmerton - Nemeth 2, Morgan 2, Moore 1.