Christina Talbert poured in a career-high 32 points to lift New Castle to a Section 2-AAA victory over Ellwood City Lincoln.

Talbert was 13 of 20 from the field, including 12 assists, eight rebounds and six steals. She netted 11 of her points in the third quarter.

“Christina had a very strong game for us,” Lady ’Canes coach Jason Rankin said. “I’m happy for the most part with how the girls played overall. We talked about doing your job and not worrying about how we played the first time against them.”

The Lady ’Canes (7-0, 10-2), ranked No. 2 in the WPIAL Class AAA rankings by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, are in first place in the section standings by two games over Ambridge (5-2, 9-4) and Blackhawk (5-2, 9-5). Indiana (14-0), which eliminated New Castle in the second round of the PIAA playoffs last year, is ranked No. 1.

“We try not to concern ourselves too much with the rankings because we know there’s a playoff coming,” Rankin said. “We want to position ourselves the best we can. There’s no secret that the seedings go pretty close to the rankings.

“We knew when Kaylynn (Waters) got hurt there would be a certain degree of mentality that we can’t win without her. We’ll just have to go out and take care of business on the floor.”

LaShauna Brothers was next with 17 points for New Castle, while Ja’Nia McPhatter added 11 markers and 11 rebounds. Delvona Dennis chipped in with 10 points.

Michelle Nocera tallied a team-high 10 points for the Lady Wolverines (1-6, 6-9).

Ellwood City committed 31 turnovers.