|
|
|
The Illinois Valley Central Lady Ghost season came to an end Feb. 6 when they fell in the opening round of the Stark County Regional to the host school, 42-40.
“Stark County did a good job of scouting us,” coach Paul Mercer said. “They double teamed Emma Hoerr inside but that opened up Brooke Rudolph. They kept us on our heels as far as scoring.”
Both teams came out of the gate sluggish to start the game and each side matched the other shot for shot.
“They kept us on our heels as far as scoring,” Mercer said.
Erica Larson helped the Ghost offense get going by slinging the ball to open teammates to keep the Stark County defense on its toes.
“Erica came in and did a really nice job for us, especially as a freshman,” Mercer said. “She did a good job defending their guards and of running our offense.”
After the opening quarter, the teams were tied at eight.
In the second frame, Stark County found its offensive rhythm and began to knock down shot after shot.
The Ghost defense could not slow down Stark County, while the Ghost offense could not find the hoop.
At halftime, Stark County lead 23-15.
IVC’s offense recharged in the third quarter and began to mount a comeback, thanks to Brooke Rudolph banking in shots over defenders.
Rudolph led the team with 14 points.
Defensively, the Ghosts kept Stark County from continuing the offensive onslaught by bringing pressure to the ball handler and playing tough near the hoop.
At the end of three quarters, IVC led 28-27.
The final quarter saw eight minutes of fast and furious action on both ends of the court as the teams battled for their right to extend their season.
Neither side slowed throughout the quarter as both teams were in the zone offensively, with shots sinking on both ends of the court.
Despite great offensive play by the Ghosts, the IVC defense could not slow Stark County when it needed to the most.
Down the stretch of the game, the Ghosts were barely edged out, but it was enough for Stark County to grab a two-point win.
“It was disappointing but the girls never quit,” Mercer said. “We had great hustle, but they hit 13 out of 14 free throws in the final quarter.”
The team ends the season with a record of 6-19.
“The year that we have had, as far as injuries and learning different combinations of who would play well together, the team did an excellent job,” Mercer said. “I really applaud the girls for battling through injuries and digging deep. The team did what they had to do to try to be successful. We played excellent competition all year, many of who are still in the running for the State tournament.
“I know the girls probably aren’t very happy that they didn’t win more,” Mercer said. “But they have to look back and see, at the end of the season when we talked about being at their best and playing their best, they did that.”
The Illinois Valley Central Lady Ghost season came to an end Feb. 6 when they fell in the opening round of the Stark County Regional to the host school, 42-40.
“Stark County did a good job of scouting us,” coach Paul Mercer said. “They double teamed Emma Hoerr inside but that opened up Brooke Rudolph. They kept us on our heels as far as scoring.”
Both teams came out of the gate sluggish to start the game and each side matched the other shot for shot.
“They kept us on our heels as far as scoring,” Mercer said.
Erica Larson helped the Ghost offense get going by slinging the ball to open teammates to keep the Stark County defense on its toes.
“Erica came in and did a really nice job for us, especially as a freshman,” Mercer said. “She did a good job defending their guards and of running our offense.”
After the opening quarter, the teams were tied at eight.
In the second frame, Stark County found its offensive rhythm and began to knock down shot after shot.
The Ghost defense could not slow down Stark County, while the Ghost offense could not find the hoop.
At halftime, Stark County lead 23-15.
IVC’s offense recharged in the third quarter and began to mount a comeback, thanks to Brooke Rudolph banking in shots over defenders.
Rudolph led the team with 14 points.
Defensively, the Ghosts kept Stark County from continuing the offensive onslaught by bringing pressure to the ball handler and playing tough near the hoop.
At the end of three quarters, IVC led 28-27.
The final quarter saw eight minutes of fast and furious action on both ends of the court as the teams battled for their right to extend their season.
Neither side slowed throughout the quarter as both teams were in the zone offensively, with shots sinking on both ends of the court.
Despite great offensive play by the Ghosts, the IVC defense could not slow Stark County when it needed to the most.
Down the stretch of the game, the Ghosts were barely edged out, but it was enough for Stark County to grab a two-point win.
“It was disappointing but the girls never quit,” Mercer said. “We had great hustle, but they hit 13 out of 14 free throws in the final quarter.”
The team ends the season with a record of 6-19.
“The year that we have had, as far as injuries and learning different combinations of who would play well together, the team did an excellent job,” Mercer said. “I really applaud the girls for battling through injuries and digging deep. The team did what they had to do to try to be successful. We played excellent competition all year, many of who are still in the running for the State tournament.
“I know the girls probably aren’t very happy that they didn’t win more,” Mercer said. “But they have to look back and see, at the end of the season when we talked about being at their best and playing their best, they did that.”
