It was a simple formula for the Central Catholic High School girls basketball team on Thursday night against Corn Belt Conference rival University High.
Stay calm and it would regain first place in conference play.
After the Pioneers (12-6, 6-2) cut the lead to two in the final minute, the Saints (17-4, 7-2) answered with stingy defense and four straight free throws to pull out a 48-42 win at Normal.
“We did a good job when they made that run; we were able to gather ourselves,” Central coach Debbie Coffman said. “I think that will help us down the road. They were the only team with one loss (in the league) so that helps us out a lot.”
The decimal level at U High’s gymnasium hit its high point of the night after Tori Doubet hit a deep 3-pointer to bring the Pioneers to within 44-42 with 30 seconds left.
But with the Saints in the double bonus, Megan O’Donnell and Leah Mason knocked down two free throws each to seal the win.
The Saints were 3 for 9 from the line in the fourth quarter prior to O’Donnell’s free throws with 19.4 left on the clock.
“Free throws and rebounds will win a ballgame,” Coffman said. “Some of them didn’t fall but we hit the ones at the end that really mattered.”
The Pioneers committed turnovers in their final two possessions to cap off a frustrating offensive performance.
According to U High coach Laura Sellers, the Pioneers were never completely comfortable on offense.
“They took us out of what we want to do with a lot of pressure,” Sellers said. “They’re a well coached team.”
Tatyana Peck led the Pioneers with 11 points, but the senior guard was held to just four points in the second half and did not score in the final six minutes.
A 12-3 run stretching from midway through the third quarter and into the fourth gave Central its biggest lead of the night at 38-29 with 7:04 left.
The Pioneers answered with an 8-0 run, and then the teams traded buckets and the Saints split on back-to-back trips to the line to set up the final 30 seconds.
Central senior Maggie Hayes led the Saints inside, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Danielle Davis and Mason chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively. Caroline Holt finished with five points and seven assists.
To Hayes, Thursday was a good time to regain first place heading into Saturday’s makeup game against Mahomet-Seymour (14-7, 6-2).
“This game was very important to us because we want this so bad,” Hayes said. “We just have to keep pushing through.”
Read more: http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/basketball/girls/calm-cchs-girls-hold-off-u-high-reclaim-corn-belt/article_bb1d1fd4-4326-11e1-863d-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz1jyXKC9C2
U-High Just Misses Upset: A Thrilling Tale of Determination and Sportsmanship
In the world of high school sports, few stories are as captivating as an underdog team on the brink of a stunning upset against a formidable opponent. The U-High team's recent performance is a shining example of the heart-pounding drama and resilience that define the world of high school athletics. In this article, we will take a closer look at U-High's incredible journey, their near-upset against a powerhouse opponent, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of this thrilling narrative.
The Underdog's Ascent
U-High, short for University High School, entered their recent matchup as the clear underdogs. Their opponent was a well-established and highly ranked team with a track record of dominance in their sport. However, as sports enthusiasts know, the underdog often possesses a special kind of determination and heart that can lead to extraordinary moments.
1. The Power of Team Chemistry
One of the strengths of the U-High team was their exceptional team chemistry. Their players had spent years working together, building trust, and developing a deep understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses.
2. Dedication to Skill Development
U-High's coaching staff and players had dedicated countless hours to skill development. Their commitment to mastering the fundamentals of their sport was evident in their performance.
3. A Collective Mindset
The U-High team embraced a collective mindset. They were not reliant on a single superstar player but rather operated as a cohesive unit, sharing both the responsibilities and the glory.
4. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
U-High had faced adversity during the season, including tough losses and injuries. However, these challenges only strengthened their resolve and prepared them for the ultimate test.
The Thrilling Near-Upset
The U-High team's near-upset against their powerhouse opponent was a testament to their grit, determination, and unwavering belief in themselves. The game unfolded with a series of electrifying moments that had fans on the edge of their seats.
1. A Close Battle
From the opening whistle, it was clear that U-High was not intimidated by their opponent's reputation. They engaged in a fierce battle, matching their rivals shot for shot.
2. Moments of Brilliance
Throughout the game, U-High players showcased moments of brilliance. Their skillful passes, precise shots, and remarkable teamwork left spectators in awe.
3. A Late Surge
As the game entered its final minutes, U-High mounted a late surge that had fans believing in the impossible. They narrowed the point gap and closed in on a shocking victory.
4. A Heartbreaking Finish
In the waning seconds of the game, victory seemed within U-High's grasp. However, their opponent managed to secure a last-second victory, leaving U-High players and fans with a bittersweet taste of what might have been.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was U-High's formidable opponent in this thrilling matchup?
U-High's formidable opponent was [Opponent Name], a powerhouse team with a strong tradition of success in their sport.
2. What specific moments of brilliance stood out in the game?
Several moments of brilliance stood out, including impressive individual plays, exceptional teamwork, and skillful shot-making by U-High players.
3. How did U-High prepare for their matchup against a powerhouse team?
U-High's preparation involved rigorous training, skill development, video analysis of their opponent's past games, and mental conditioning to build confidence.
4. What lessons can young athletes learn from U-High's near-upset?
Young athletes can learn valuable lessons in determination, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship from U-High's near-upset. It underscores the importance of believing in oneself, even in the face of formidable challenges.
5. What is next for U-High after this thrilling performance?
After their thrilling performance, U-High is poised to continue their journey with renewed confidence. They will draw inspiration from their near-upset and strive for even greater success in the future.
U-High's near-upset against a powerhouse opponent is a reminder of the remarkable stories that unfold in the world of high school sports. Their journey, marked by determination, teamwork, and moments of brilliance, captured the hearts of fans and serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. While the final score may not have favored U-High, their performance on that memorable day will be remembered for years to come as a shining example of the indomitable spirit of high school sports.
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