RIVERDALE - After losing the first three quarters, the Darlington girls basketball team rallied to force overtime and ultimately defeated Riverdale 52-44.
After the third quarter, the Redbirds were down 34-27. The fourth quarter was a different story.
"It took us three quarters to figure out how to play their zone," Darlington coach Riley Fitzsimons said. "Once we got it handled, we got it fine."
The Redbirds outscored the Chieftains 17-10 in the frame to force overtime. Darlington held Riverdale scoreless in the extra frame and cruised to the win.
Senior Cassidy Chambers led the way for the Redbirds with 24 points.
Fitzsimons said Chambers' shot wasn't falling the way it usually does so he advised her to adjust by attacking the basket.
"We put her right in the middle of the zone, and when the trappers came out we kicked it to her in the middle," Fitzsimons said.
"I think our seniors had a lot to do with (the win). Riverdale's a young team, and I think the win was (did) a lot for our senior leadership."
And it was a hard-fought comeback for the Redbirds, which made it all the more gratifying for Fitzsimons.
"I couldn't be happier as a coach," he said, of his team's resiliency. "I think that shows a lot, because we haven't had a battle like that. Tonight we were able to really focus and pull out the victory. As a coach, as much as I'd like to blow every team out, you couldn't be happier with a finish like that."
Brodhead 79, Beloit Turner 35
BRODHEAD - Ten players scored for the Brodhead girls basketball team as the Cardinals trounced Beloit Turner 79-35.
Senior Taylor Douglas led the way with 12 points, followed by senior Mariah Ahrens (11 points), junior Carly Mohns (10 points), senior Janessa Arnsmeier (9 points), junior Rachel Heller (8 points), junior Amanda Pickel (7 points), and junior Meg Duffield (6 points).
"It was the best we've shot the ball all year," Brodhead coach Brad Pickett said. "The girls did a nice job of finding the open person."
The Cardinals (4-0) made 30 fieldgoals on the night and they made the most of their free throw opportunities, converting 12 of 16 from the line.
Their defense also limited Beloit Turner's Lindsey Lauterbach to just 11 points.
"Carly Mohns started on her and did pretty well," Pickett said. "She's not a bad player. Limiting her was one of our keys. I thought we did a nice job of pressuring the ball."
With the win, the Cardinals remain undefeated. While Pickett admits his team isn't fully up to speed, he says they are close.
"We're gettin' there," he said. "Tonight was one of those first nights where we had our legs. If we can continue to do that, I think we'll be in good shape."
After the third quarter, the Redbirds were down 34-27. The fourth quarter was a different story.
"It took us three quarters to figure out how to play their zone," Darlington coach Riley Fitzsimons said. "Once we got it handled, we got it fine."
The Redbirds outscored the Chieftains 17-10 in the frame to force overtime. Darlington held Riverdale scoreless in the extra frame and cruised to the win.
Senior Cassidy Chambers led the way for the Redbirds with 24 points.
Fitzsimons said Chambers' shot wasn't falling the way it usually does so he advised her to adjust by attacking the basket.
"We put her right in the middle of the zone, and when the trappers came out we kicked it to her in the middle," Fitzsimons said.
"I think our seniors had a lot to do with (the win). Riverdale's a young team, and I think the win was (did) a lot for our senior leadership."
And it was a hard-fought comeback for the Redbirds, which made it all the more gratifying for Fitzsimons.
"I couldn't be happier as a coach," he said, of his team's resiliency. "I think that shows a lot, because we haven't had a battle like that. Tonight we were able to really focus and pull out the victory. As a coach, as much as I'd like to blow every team out, you couldn't be happier with a finish like that."
Brodhead 79, Beloit Turner 35
BRODHEAD - Ten players scored for the Brodhead girls basketball team as the Cardinals trounced Beloit Turner 79-35.
Senior Taylor Douglas led the way with 12 points, followed by senior Mariah Ahrens (11 points), junior Carly Mohns (10 points), senior Janessa Arnsmeier (9 points), junior Rachel Heller (8 points), junior Amanda Pickel (7 points), and junior Meg Duffield (6 points).
"It was the best we've shot the ball all year," Brodhead coach Brad Pickett said. "The girls did a nice job of finding the open person."
The Cardinals (4-0) made 30 fieldgoals on the night and they made the most of their free throw opportunities, converting 12 of 16 from the line.
Their defense also limited Beloit Turner's Lindsey Lauterbach to just 11 points.
"Carly Mohns started on her and did pretty well," Pickett said. "She's not a bad player. Limiting her was one of our keys. I thought we did a nice job of pressuring the ball."
With the win, the Cardinals remain undefeated. While Pickett admits his team isn't fully up to speed, he says they are close.
"We're gettin' there," he said. "Tonight was one of those first nights where we had our legs. If we can continue to do that, I think we'll be in good shape."
