OREGON - Freshman point guard Sydney Hilliard erupted for a game-high 29 points, but the Monroe High School girls basketball team's comeback bid fell just short in a 61-58 loss to Oregon Tuesday night.
"She was able to find the seams, get to the basket and she was able to do a good job finishing," Monroe coach Sam Mathiason said of Hilliard.
Monroe (1-3, 0-2 Badger South) led 28-24 at halftime. The Panthers switched to a zone in the second half and built a 46-36 advantage, but the Cheesemakers didn't go away. Hilliard made a shot in the lane to tie the game at 58 and was fouled on the play with 50 seconds to go. She missed the ensuing free throw, and the Panthers made two free throws with about 30 seconds left to take a 60-58 lead. The Cheesemakers missed two shots late, including a halfcourt shot at the buzzer.
"We had a good shot late and missed," Mathiason said. "I just told the girls I was proud of their effort. We got behind by 10 points and found a way to get back in it and we kept battling and gave ourselves a chance. I thought we competed really hard. I was very pleased with the effort."
Monroe senior Hannah Vetterli scored nine points, and freshman Emily Benzschawel added eight points.
Monroe will play at Beaver Dam at 4 p.m. Saturday.
"Beaver Dam is picked to be one of the top teams in the Little Ten Conference," Mathiason said. "It will be a tough one for us. I like the progress we are making. We will keep getting better as we go along."
"She was able to find the seams, get to the basket and she was able to do a good job finishing," Monroe coach Sam Mathiason said of Hilliard.
Monroe (1-3, 0-2 Badger South) led 28-24 at halftime. The Panthers switched to a zone in the second half and built a 46-36 advantage, but the Cheesemakers didn't go away. Hilliard made a shot in the lane to tie the game at 58 and was fouled on the play with 50 seconds to go. She missed the ensuing free throw, and the Panthers made two free throws with about 30 seconds left to take a 60-58 lead. The Cheesemakers missed two shots late, including a halfcourt shot at the buzzer.
"We had a good shot late and missed," Mathiason said. "I just told the girls I was proud of their effort. We got behind by 10 points and found a way to get back in it and we kept battling and gave ourselves a chance. I thought we competed really hard. I was very pleased with the effort."
Monroe senior Hannah Vetterli scored nine points, and freshman Emily Benzschawel added eight points.
Monroe will play at Beaver Dam at 4 p.m. Saturday.
"Beaver Dam is picked to be one of the top teams in the Little Ten Conference," Mathiason said. "It will be a tough one for us. I like the progress we are making. We will keep getting better as we go along."
