For a team that ran away with its last two games, Illinois Valley Central received a much-needed test when Kewanee came to town Thursday.
IVC passed the test with a mark of 49-42.
The Lady Ghost offense clicked immediately when the girls passed the ball around to take smart shots on the outside.
“We knew it would be a physical game,” coach Paul Mercer said. “At first we didn’t respond well to the physical play, but then we got going and played like we should.
Sophomore Emma Hoerr took pressure off the outside shooters by taking the ball to the hoop and dominating the low-post.
“We didn’t get the ball in to Laci (Peterson) very well in the first half, but Emma, Ellen (Pearson) and Allison (Schultz) all stepped up to score,” Mercer said.
Although the Ghost offense found its rhythm early, the Boilermakers also played well enough to stay within shooting distance of IVC.
Following a successful start, the Ghost offense began to falter in the second quarter due to Kewanee increasing its defensive pressure.
Bad passes and quick shots cut down on the Ghosts’ ability to score and Kewanee tightened the gap, 24-21, at halftime.
The teams played evenly after the break, matching each other shot for shot.
Schultz made sure the Ghost offense kept going by knocking down outside shots and creating opportunities for teammates with timely passes.
IVC did a better job of getting the ball to Peterson, who had more opportunities to score in the low post in the second half.
“Laci was moving really well to try to get open the whole game,” Mercer said.
IVC held a 34-31 lead at the start of the final quarter.
With no room for error down the stretch, Pearson stepped up her game and took advantage of the Boilermaker defenders by attacking the hoop, as well as taking long-range shots.
Pearson, who led the team with 20 points, helped the Ghosts close out the victory.
With the win, the Ghosts have assured themselves at least a share in the NCIC championship for the first time.
“The girls said that they wanted to win the conference outright,” Mercer said. “That was one of the season goals from the beginning of the year.”
The Ghosts (19-1, 8-0) next play at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Spring Valley Hall.
“We’re going to have to continue to play our style of ball and eliminate unforced turnovers,” Mercer said. “That eliminates the other team’s opportunities to score while giving us more chances.”
Note: The girls varsity and sophomore basketball games scheduled for Saturday vs. Rock Falls at home have been cancelled. These games will not be rescheduled, according to the athletic department.
Chillicothe, Ill. —
