Moline Wins at Rocky

Moline won at Rocky to create a three way tie for first place.

From the Argus----

By Daniel Makarewicz, danmak@qconline.com

Kylie Romeo has a word that sums up her personality on the basketball court. "Emotionless," the Moline senior point guard said. Staying calm despite committing two turnovers in the final minute against Rock Island on Thursday night, Romeo never let the frustration overshadow her job on the court. When it was time for the Maroons to preserve a late lead, it was the steady Romeo who handled the ball and calmly sank two free throws with :12.5 left in regulation, sealing their 39-36 Western Big 6 Conference road win. "(Moline) Coach (Steve) Ford was telling me to have the ball in my hands," said Romeo, who helped pull Moline into a three-way tie with Alleman and Rocky atop the Big 6 standings with the win. "You know, the rest of my team knows that I'm going to be confident with the ball. I have confidence in everybody else, but in practice, I shoot free throws the most. We know when the ball is in my hands, the game is under control." When describing her fourth-quarter rollercoaster ride and team-high 15-point performance, Romeo remained stoic despite an emotional win. Because of that, there was no hint of a letdown when the Maroons (7-3, 3-1 Big 6) needed their point guard the most. Leading 37-36 with less than a minute remaining, Moline was forcing the Rocks (10-1, 3-1) to foul as it moved the ball around the perimeter. However, Romeo was whistled for a five-second violation at mid-court, giving Rocky possession with :56.4 left. After Rocky forward Sarita Goldsmith traveled near the basket 10 seconds later, the Maroons once again got the ball with an opportunity to seal the game. Again, Romeo turned the ball over near mid-court as the officials deemed she kicked a loose ball. "I knew I had to make up for the two ... whatever they're called," Romeo said. "I can't even think of it right now." All Romeo could think about was playing defense. With the clock ticking below 30 seconds, Rocky looked for Goldsmith in the high post, but the pass was deflected by Morgan Gerard near the foul line and picked up by Romeo. "It was a simple high-low," said Rocky coach Thad Hoover, who received 15 points from Shavonne Brewer and 11 from Rayven Morrow. "It seemed to be there a lot, but we never executed it. For whatever reason, we didn't complete that pass." Fifteen seconds later, Romeo swished two free throws, extending the lead to 39-36. On its subsequent possession, Rocky attempted a game-tying 3-pointer, but Brewer's contested shot fell short. And so did the Rocks' stranglehold on the Big 6 and an unblemished record. "I'm just really proud of the girls," Ford said. "Playing a tough team with a lot of confidence and momentum, the girls showed a lot of poise. They didn't get caught up. They finished a nice (game)." Shaky at times, the Maroons did finish. When the Rocks took a 36-35 lead with 5:41 left on Brewer's runner from the right block, Moline scored on its next possession when -- you guessed it -- Romeo converted an uncontested layup. That basket with 5:22 left was the final field goal, and actually provided the game-winning points. "This is awesome," Romeo said. "So many people underestimated us against Rock Island. We just came in here and we knew we were the underdogs. We just proved that we have what it takes." Romeo provided the perfect lead.