4th-ranked Trojans win in overtime
Staff writers
It was hardly pretty, but a victory is better than a loss, and the Trojan girls team completed another perfect week.
After stunning third-ranked Haven, Hillsboro survived a metaphorical fist-fight in overtime with pesky Hesston, 46-38.
“We got off to a really good start and set the pace throughout the first half,” Trojan coach Micah Ratzlaff said. “We hit some shots and defended at a very high level.
“In the third quarter we struggled to ball offensively and gave up some easy baskets defensively. The game went back and forth in the fourth quarter and went to overtime. We were able to execute on a couple big plays, hit free throws, and come up with some huge defensive stops to help get the win.”
Hillsboro jumped out to 10-5 lead after the first quarter, pushing the lead as far as 15-5 the second quarter, but couldn’t slam the door on Hesston with the Swathers using an 8-3 run to stay within 18-13 at the break.
The Swathers stayed in the Trojans’ rear view mirror, overtaking Hillsboro late in the third quarter.
The Swathers’ comeback was built on cold shooting by the Trojans, physicality, and a defensive battle. Hillsboro barely managing 20% shooting in the second half, shooting a modest 30% for the game.
Hillsboro was finally able to put the nail in Hesston’s coffin in overtime, outscoring the Swathers 13-6 after an extra session was forced with a 29-29 tie to end regulation.
Going into Tuesday’s game, the perfect week boosted Hillsboro’s mark to 12-3 on the year.
Goessel gets lopsided victory
What started out as an even match ended up in a lopsided victory Friday for the Goessel girls.
Wakefield took several leads early in the game, but with the score tied 12-12 the Bluebird defense stopped the Bombers.
Goessel finished the first quarter with a 13-0 run and led at the break, 25-12.
Abbigail Funk scored 12 points in that first period. Jaicee Griffin and Cheyenne Sawyer continued the scoring in the second quarter, and the Bluebirds led 34-18 at halftime.
The pace slowed in the third quarter as Wakefield would get as close as eight points, but the Bluebirds led at the end of three 42-28 and won by a final score 53-33.
Funk scored a season high 18 points. Cheyenne Sawyer followed with 15.
Heading into Tuesday’s game, the Goessel girls were 5-2 in the Wheat State League and 9-6 overall. The Bluebirds will have a home game Friday with Herington (5-9) to finish League play
Marion falls to defending champ
Marion lost Friday’s home non-conference game against Sterling, 65-50.
Grace Hett was the Warriors’ leading scorer with five buckets from three-point line for a total of 15 points.
Calli Burkholder, Erin Regnier, Taryn Kraus, and Calleigh Soyez also scored at least one three-pointer in the game.
“We knew this game was going to be a battle,” coach Jason Hett said. “Sterling is the defending state champs, and they are coached well and have the identity of being winners.”
Kate Rowland knocked down four three-pointers for Sterling. Ryan Rowenstein finished with three, scoring 20 points overall.
“I thought we came out a little slow but picked it up and battled with them in the first half,” Hett said. “We missed some key defensive rebounds that would have helped us in the second and third quarters as they played great first-possession defense.”
The Warriors (5-11 before Tuesday’s game) will be at home Friday against Ell-Saline.
“We have to continue to get better defensively, but I know we will,” Hett said. “They have taken steps in the right direction, and we will continue to put in hard work to take the next step.”
Centre’s 1st points in 3rd quarter
Centre’s girls faced an impossible task as they faced off in a home game Friday against state-ranked Little River. The Cougars lost, 57-9.
The tall Redskins had an easy time rebounding and getting inside shots.
Centre’s first points came in the third quarter, after Little River led, 38-2.
Olivia Carlson was at the free throw line three times, scoring five points. Hailey Barton made a layup.
In the fourth quarter, with the clock running, Barton made two free throws for Centre’s final points.
The Cougars will play Friday at Peabody-Burns on Friday.
Peabody-Burns has Friday off
Only the boys team had a game Friday, but the Peabody-Burns girls will be in action Friday against Centre.
Last modified Feb. 8, 2023