By Becky Walz,
They didn’t go down without a fight.
The fourth quarter was just too much for the Turkey Valley girls’ basketball team in the regional quarterfinals of the Class 1A playoffs Tuesday night.
They didn’t go down without a fight.
The fourth quarter was just too much for the Turkey Valley girls’ basketball team in the regional quarterfinals of the Class 1A playoffs Tuesday night.
After keeping pace with Central Elkader (19-4) for the first three, the Warriors defeated the Trojans, 49-40. Central advances to the regional semifinal to face East Buchanan (18-5) Friday, Feb. 18.
Turkey Valley ends the season 16-7 overall.
“I am very proud of our girls and the opportunities they created throughout the game to keep themselves in the battle. The last four minutes proved to be the difference as we couldn’t get the timely bucket,” said Coach Carla Nymeyer.
Central may have gotten the first couple of baskets, but it was Turkey Valley who controlled the tempo for much of the first frame, leading 12-6 with 1:58 to play before the Warriors closed it out on a 6-0 run to knot the score at 12. The Trojans opened up the second period on back-to-back baskets by Aubrey Hoffert and Jacqlyn Schmitt to lead 16-12. However, the Warriors were not to be denied as they fought back to take the 21-20 lead with 2:15 before the break. By halftime, the score was all tied up once again at 25.
The UIC teams battled back-and-forth in the third, with Central edging forward 34-33 with eight minutes to play in the game. The score would be tied for the final time at 35 with 5:56 to play, when TV was forced to foul to stop the clock. Central managed to convert on 9-of-10 free throws in the closing 2:40, while the Trojans struggled to control the ball and find the hoop.
“Despite Central collapsing and double and triple teaming Jacqlyn (Schmitt), she was able to power up the shots to lead the charge. Jalyssa (Blazek), Kara (Reicks) and Aubrey (Hoffert) also did not back down and fought hard to break through the defense and attack the basket,” noted Coach Nymeyer.
Schmitt had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, along with three steals and two blocks. Blazek was there for 10 points and three boards, while Hoffert put in nine points and came away with six rebounds.
“It’s always tough to see the season end and your seniors walk off the court for the last time. Hailey, Kara and Jalyssa supplied us with a lot of exciting moments and some great basketball entertainment through their determination and intensity. They are a great trio, and we appreciate and thank them for everything they have done for the team,” said the veteran coach.
Turkey Valley 12 13 8 7 40
Central Elk. 12 13 9 15 49
Scoring – Jacqlyn Schmitt 14; Jalyssa Blazek 10; Aubrey Hoffert 9; Kara Reicks 6; Alison Leibold 1
Rebounds – J. Schmitt 11; Hoffert 6; Reicks 4; Blazek 3; Mariah Throndson 1; Leibold 1; Assists – Reicks 4; Steals – J. Schmitt 3; Reicks 2; Hoffert 2; Blazek 1; Blocks – J. Schmitt 2; Hailey Elsbernd 1
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