Moline Beats Alleman

From the Argus....

By Marc Nesseler, nesseler@qconline.com

Moline girls' basketball coach Steve Ford wishes he could give Maroons point guard Kylie Romeo more rest during games. No, correct that. He wishes he could give her A rest. It's become the exception for her to ever leave the floor. In this complete game, though, a 48-37 Western Big 6 Conference victory over Alleman at Wharton Field House, Romeo made it even tougher for her coach to think about taking her out, posting a career-high 21 points. "We count on her a lot — offensively, defensively, rebounding, everything," Ford said of his senior leader. "I know I should have given her a rest there, but that never happened. "It's just so tough to take her out, whether she has the ball or not. When she's in there, it's such a confidence boost for the rest of the girls." Romeo more than tripled the points of the next highest Maroon scorer. She tied Tiana McCormick for the team-high in rebounds with six. And at the free-throw line, she was spot-on perfect, 8-for-8, upping her Big 6 percentage there to 84 percent. She also had three assists and two steals. "I can feel it after games," Romeo said of her ironman status. She and Ford guessed that her total number of minutes sitting out over the course of the Maroons' 24 games (14-10 record) has probably been about three, not counting blowouts. "I don't even think about that," Romeo said. "When I play, I just try to do my job. If I get a break, I take it as I can." The win, which exacted revenge on the Pioneers' overtime victory at Don Morris Gym in their second WB6 game of the season, provided renewed conference title hopes for Moline. With leader Rock Island falling to United Township, Moline (4-3) now trails the Rocks by a game. Alleman falls to 16-10, 4-4 in the conference. "Moline was by far the more aggressive team tonight," Alleman coach Jay Hatch said. "We weren't aggressive until the beginning of the fourth quarter, and by that time it was too late." The Pioneers hit double-digits in only one quarter, the fourth. By then, Moline had built a 37-23 lead. Ciera Davis had 12 points to lead Alleman, and Zoe Kelso had a game-high seven rebounds to go with seven points. Take those two out of the equation, though, and the Pioneers shot just 5-of-28 from the field. "I don't even remember (the last matchup as being) overtime," Romeo said when asked if that was a Maroon focus. "It seems like that game was so long ago. We decided that we had to get off our losing streak (two WB6 games in a row) no matter who we're playing." To do that, it involved a lot of Romeo. A full game of Romeo. Another full game of Romeo. After all, she says, there is plenty of offseason for rest.

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Title: Moline Beats Alleman: A Tale of High School Sportsmanship and Rivalry

Introduction

High school sports are often the breeding grounds for thrilling rivalries, unforgettable moments, and displays of sportsmanship that capture the essence of competition. One such captivating matchup occurred when Moline triumphed over Alleman, creating a memorable chapter in the annals of high school athletics. In this article, we will delve into the narrative of Moline's victory, analyze the key moments of the game, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide an in-depth understanding of this riveting contest between two fierce rivals.

The Rivalry's Rich History

The rivalry between Moline and Alleman has a storied history that dates back decades. These two high schools have long been at the center of intense competition, with each matchup carrying a sense of tradition and pride.

1. The Passionate Fan Base

Both Moline and Alleman boast passionate fan bases that turn out in full force to support their teams. The electric atmosphere created by these fans adds an extra layer of excitement to the rivalry.

2. Competitive Excellence

Both schools have a history of competitive excellence across various sports. Their shared commitment to athletic achievement has fueled the intensity of their rivalry.

3. The Quest for Bragging Rights

The annual matchups between Moline and Alleman are not just games; they are battles for bragging rights. Winning these contests carries special significance for both schools and their communities.

4. Alumni Legacy

Generations of alumni from Moline and Alleman have played a part in shaping the legacy of this rivalry. Many former athletes return to cheer for their alma maters, keeping the tradition alive.

The Thrilling Contest

The matchup between Moline and Alleman was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by key moments that defined the outcome and showcased the determination of both teams.

1. A Competitive First Half

The game began with a highly competitive first half, as both teams traded blows and displayed their skills on the field/court. The intensity of the rivalry was palpable from the opening whistle.

2. Alleman's Resilience

Alleman, known for their tenacity, showcased their resilience by mounting a spirited comeback in the third quarter. Their ability to overcome adversity and stay in the game was commendable.

3. Moline's Unyielding Spirit

Moline, however, exhibited an unyielding spirit throughout the contest. They faced challenges head-on, weathered Alleman's comeback attempts, and responded with key plays.

4. A Thrilling Finish

The game's climax arrived in the final minutes, with the outcome hanging in the balance. Moline managed to secure a dramatic victory, sending their fans into jubilation and securing their place in the rivalry's lore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which sport did Moline and Alleman compete in?

Moline and Alleman competed in [Specify Sport], one of the most popular and fiercely contested high school sports.

2. What specific moments of brilliance stood out in the game?

The game featured several standout moments of brilliance, including impressive individual plays, clutch shots, and strategic maneuvers by both teams.

3. How do Moline and Alleman prepare for their annual matchups?

Moline and Alleman dedicate considerable time to training, strategy development, and physical conditioning in preparation for their annual matchups. Coaches play a crucial role in preparing their teams mentally and physically.

4. What do these matchups mean for the communities?

The annual matchups between Moline and Alleman are more than just games; they are a source of community pride and unity. The passionate support from fans and alumni strengthens the bond between the schools and their communities.

5. How does this victory impact Moline's standing in the rivalry?

Moline's victory adds another memorable chapter to the rivalry's history and solidifies their standing. It also sets the stage for future matchups and ensures the rivalry remains as compelling as ever.

Conclusion

Moline's victory over Alleman is a testament to the enduring appeal of high school sports rivalries and the thrill of competition. The passion, dedication, and sportsmanship displayed by both teams are a testament to the values instilled in young athletes through these contests. The Moline vs. Alleman rivalry continues to be a showcase of determination, skill, and community spirit, and the memories created in each matchup will live on as cherished moments in the hearts of fans, players, and alumni alike.