Web posted
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Defense carries Argonia past SH girls
By MIKE JOSEPH
Traveler Correspondent
SOUTH HAVEN -- Argonia shook off a slow start by turning up the defensive pressure on their way to a 53-31 win over the South Haven Lady Cardinals Tuesday night.
South Haven led 4-2 midway through the first quarter on a breakaway layup by Tina Clausen. At that point, the Lady Raiders ratcheted up their full-court trap defense, holding the Cardinals scoreless until the 5:11 mark of the second period.
Clausen's open three-pointer stopped a 14-2 Argonia run as the Cardinals trailed 16-7 in the second quarter. Argonia used 12 steals in the first half to open a 25-13 lead at the half.
The third quarter found both teams unable to crack the scoring column until Argonia's Hannah Hemberger drained two free throws with 3:45 left on the clock. A steal and layup by freshman Brooke Boatright resulted in a three-point play when Boatright was fouled by Breanna McConnell giving the Raiders a 30-13 lead.
Beth Davidson ended the Cardinal drought with two-and-a-half minutes left in the quarter, scoring off an offensive rebound and putback. Argonia went into the final period up 36-19.
Argonia continued to pull away in the final period and led 42-19 when Clausen hit a three from the right wing and was fouled. Clausen hit the free-throw completing a four-point play trimming the deficit to 42-23 with 6:20 left. A minute later, McConnell went down with an injured ankle and had to be helped off the court.
Despite the loss, South Haven head coach David Hughes praised his team. "I was happy with our intensity tonight. This is the best hustle we have shown in weeks. I thought Christa (Curl) and Tricia (Cook) really elevated their games tonight."
Freshman Ashton Stansbury led the Raiders with a game-high 14 points while Hemberger added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds for Argonia. Clausen paced the Cardinals with 10 points.
"Argonia has a really good team," said Hughes. "They are a lot like we were the last couple years."
Argonia remains undefeated at 16-0 overall, 8-0 in the SCBL. South Haven falls to 11-5 overall and 5-3 in league play. The Cardinals will visit the Dexter
Cardinals on Friday in another tough SCBL matchup.
ARGONIA 8 17 11 17--53
SOUTH HAVEN 4 9 6 12--31
Argonia --Stansbury 14, Hemberger 12, Boatright 9, T. Peetoom 8, Brewster 6, D. Peetoom 2, Blake 2.
South Haven -- Clausen 10, Davidson 7, Tr. Cook 6, Curl 3, McConnell 2, Ti.Cook 2, Richards 1.
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