Girls Basketball Struggles To Fend Off Lions

Sullivan (5-7) could not win their rally over Northwest (4-9), losing 41-37 in nail-biting fashion on Jan. 21. They overcame an eight-point deficit, nearly fending off the Lady Lions but fell short in the final seconds. 

After the tip-off, the Lady Eagles soared ahead to a 5-0 lead. Kynlee Peterson and Cora Shetley sank free throws, while Katie Miller forced turnovers on Northwest.

Sullivan continued putting on a defensive clinic. Ava Hayes’ rebound allowed Miller to lob an assist to Karlee Head.

The Lady Lions roared back before the horn buzzed. They finished the first quarter only trailing by one.

The Lady Eagles maintained their momentum and held off Northwest until halftime. Miller and Sydney Montee first hit jumpers, and Merkel followed with two threes.

The Lady Lions returned from the locker room, ready to rally back. They quickly erased a six-point deficit, storming to a 31-23 lead into the fourth quarter.

Despite falling behind, the Lady Eagles refused to slip into the jaws of defeat.

Head ignited Sullivan’s comeback with a layup and three-pointer while Shetley splashed a jumper.

As the clock ticked into the final minute, Lohden rebounded Lily Schmuke’s missed attempt for a putback basket. Shetley then banked a shot and Peterson fired one from downtown.

Down by two points, the Lady Eagles were at Northwest’s doorstep in the last seconds but could not pull off a miracle. Sullivan lost possession of the ball inside their arc, which allowed the Lady Lions to seal their victory from the free-throw line.

Northwest (Cedar Hill)

Head lit the court with nine points, snagging five rebounds and a steal.

Lohden crashed the boards the most for seven rebounds. She loaded up 2 points, two assists and a steal.

Merkel broke away with 9 points, nine rebounds, three rebounds and an assist.

Peterson went a perfect 2-2 from the field and charity stripe. She drained seven points and forced a steal.

Schmuke dished out a team-high three assists while hauling in 5 boards.

Shetley stacked up 6 points, six rebounds, a steal and an assist. 

Miller topped the Lady Eagles with three steals. She also dropped 2 points and a dime.

Ava Hayes picked up a steal, an assist and a rebound.

Sydney Montee swished in two points and assisted a score.

Sullivan went 13-46 from the field, sinking 7-20 of their two-pointers and 6-26 of their threes. They also knocked in 5-14 of their free throws. The Lady Eagles swooped up 27 rebounds, 10 assists and eight steals but surrendered 19 fouls and 16 turnovers.

Northwest was less efficient from the arc (3-16) but beat the Lady Eagles on the charity stripe (10-19) and the floor (14-49). The Lady Lions roared with 30 rebounds, 12 assists, eight steals and three blocks.

Capital City

The Lady Eagles (5-8) lost their next game to Capital City (8-5) on Thursday, Jan. 23. They fell 54-42 to the Cavaliers for their third consecutive loss.

Sullivan sank 44% of their free throws, 38% of their field shots and 25% of their threes. They racked up 24 rebounds, 11 assists, seven steals and two blocks.

Capital City was 50% from the charity stripe, 39% from the field and 27% from the arc. They capitalized on 37 rebounds, 11 assists, seven steals and a block to beat the Lady Eagles.

Individual stats were unavailable at press time.

Click to subscribe for more Eagles coverage!