Two Last Minute Rallies And A Walk Over
O’Gorman squeaked by SF Washington 55-51 Thursday night, on aggressive moves late by Izzie Moore and Hannah Ronsiek. Mwenentanda Plows Into O’G’s Defense – photo by Lee Cummins The underlying reason for O’G victory was an early lead built off…
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Continue ReadingO’Gorman squeaked by SF Washington 55-51 Thursday night, on aggressive moves late by Izzie Moore and Hannah Ronsiek.
Mwenentanda Plows Into O’G’s Defense – photo by Lee CumminsThe underlying reason for O’G victory was an early lead built off a trapping backcourt defense, sprung early, but less often in the second half. Turnovers and ball violations punctuated SFW’s style, which offset Sydni Schetnan’s improved defense & production. Schetnan (6’5 PGH #2 in 2021’s) effectively nullified Emma Ronsiek (6’1 PGH# 1 in 2020’s) inside. The entry pass into O’G’s posts E.Ronsiek or
Raegen/Bergen Reilly stressed SFW to stay with cutters Moore, H. Ronsiek, Carly Kunkel (2020 5’6), and Allison Crouch (2020 5’8) taking passes to the rim and piling up foul calls. Had O’G shot closer to their season %-age, the rout would have begun. A textbook Euro Step move with a left-handed finish around Schetnan by Raegan Reilly brought fans out of their seats.
Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda (6’1 PGH’s #1 in 2022’s) has not fully meshed into SFW’s scheme since transferring this season from O’G. Of course, the curious substitution pattern disrupted the entire roster’s rhythm. Success was scarce without either Schetnan or NM on the floor. NM too often brought the ball from overhead down to waist level, rewarding pressure defenders with TO’s, loose balls or tie-ups. The technical foul called on Hannah Ronsiek at 5:16 left, for taunting NM, erases any doubt that she is missed by O’G.
Mwenentanda feeds Schetnan Under Basket – photo by Lee CumminsSFW notable efforts were given also by Taylor Thompson (2023 6’0) Jaden Warner (2021 5’8) & Brooklyn Harpe (2023 5’10). The future looks bright for both rosters.
Crofton (Nebr) gave up the fourth quarter to Lennox last Saturday. On Thursday, they battled past a weak third-quarter effort and won 54-51, in an error-filled final quarter.
West Central vs Crofton – Last Minute Drama – photo by Lee CumminsRylee Haldeman (5’5 2022) scored 15 points in the third quarter to lift West Central briefly ahead. Two steals were each converted and the foul shot made. She hit a three & and an elbow pull-up. In the crucial last minutes, Haldeman drained a trey at 6:02; then Crofton’sKaley Einrem (5’6 2021) took charge with driving baskets, assists, steals and a long three bomb to will her team to the win. WC’s Cassidy Siemonsma (2021 6’1) fought hand-to-hand with Lacey Sprakel (2021 5’9) and Alexis Arens (2020 5’8) in the paint; another WC tough gal volunteer would have helped.
Meanwhile, the girls’ 29th Annual West River Invitational concluded Saturday night in the Rushmore Civic Center, matching the Wolves of Moorcroft, WY, against the Faith Longhorns.
Kaycee Groves tournament MVP 2020 – photo by Lee CumminsAfter a lackluster first quarter, Kaycee Groves (2022 5’10) moved to the low post and repeatedly dished & scored, Groves won the MVP award, scoring 25-pts and reminding college recruiters to check her out soon. Faith won its sixth girls’ championship, 64-35. Sydnie Schauer (2020 5’7) hit for 19-pts, and Alyana Byrd (2021 5’10) scored ten points, and were both named to the all-tournament team.
Rebound Battle – Kaycee Groves #10 Faith – photo by Lee Cummins