Tuesday night was an exciting game to say the least, as the girls took things to a 62-59 overtime win over Adams Central. The win marked the fifth straight under the direction of Coach Ryan Callan who stated after the game that, “the composure and determination of these girls says it all. They face adversity every day and always rise to the occasion.”
Improvement has clearly been seen as the year has progressed with these girls, as Coach Callan stated that, “Our goal is to get better every day.”
Lillie Shoemaker had a fantastic night in this very physical game against the Patriots. Shoemaker led the team in scoring with twenty points, as she battled defenders down low in the post, including one girl that was three inches taller than her. The height difference didn’t intimate Shoemaker, and it is not evident what even would intimate this tough young lady.
Claire Cargill had another solid night, adding sixteen points, including two threes. After the game, Cargill added, “As a team, we played well defensively. I thought our communication was the best that it’s been this year. We keep improving every week, and it’s been showing in the last five games. We were the more aggressive team tonight, and that led us to victory.”
Natalie Williams’ aggressive defensive play ended with her fouling out in the fourth quarter. Even though she fouled out, she remained a cheerleader for her teammate on the bench. Williams had this to say after the game, “My teammates really stepped up tonight. Our defense was able to overcome theirs, and that got us the W in a close game.”
Lillee Alexander also got into the physical nature of the game, adding eight points offensively. Alexander is so involved in many areas of activity and athletics, and she is a piece of the team that will be so missed in so many ways when she graduates in May. She exemplifies what it means to be a team player and never needs the spotlight but works behind the scenes to make her team successful.
Friday night the 9-5 Ord girls will travel to Boone Central to try to make it win number six in a row against the 6-8 Cardinals.