Rough outing in Demotte

The Patriots traveled all the way to Demotte Thursday night to play twenty-four minutes of painful basketball. Alyssa's presence was dearly missed, and the girls were beaten 41-9 by Covenant Christian High.

This one started poorly, as usual, but they stayed at that level throughout the game, which was not usual. Covenant's girls were notably bigger and played a very disciplined offense and a smothering man-to-man defense. The Patriots recognized the defense at the outset and tried to run some pick plays, but with our small, young players, it was difficult and didn't work very well. After one quarter it was 12-3.

The seocond quarter matched the first. Rachel picke up a basket, and the girls held Covenant to only eight in the quarter, but at the half it was 20-5.

The beginning of the third quarter was the best stretch for the Patriots. They scored the first two baskets and there was some hope in the stands that the game might become competitive. Alas, it was not to be, as Covenant reestablished their deliberate passing offense, cranked up the defense again, got every rebound and scored the last ten points of the quarter, resulting in 30-9 lead.

It was a variation on a theme in the fourth. Covenant did a little subbing, but the talent level was about the same for the bench girls, the defense did not let up, we got very few rebounds and the result of the quarter was an 11-0 deficit for the quarter and the final of 41-9.

The stats, what there were of them were as follows: Scoring, Rachel with five, and Kara and Becca with two each. Our girls shot 17%, compared to 53% for Covenant. Becca and Rachel each had six rebounds. Kara and Lee had one assist apiece and Rachel had the only block for us in the game. I only recorded five turnovers; I'm sure I missed some. The big stat of the game was steals; Kara had one, but Carolyn had two. Way to go, Carolyn!.

Big week next week. Tuesday against Southside in Oak Lawn, Wednesday against Illinois Lutheran in Crete, and Thursday against Grace in Kankakee. Check the schedule below for times and addresses.