PONTIAC —
After trailing by seven points at halftime of the Class 3A Pontiac Supersectional, Country Club Hills Hillcrest coach John Maniatis challenged his seniors to step up against Morton.
And the Hawks responded Monday night and advanced to the state semifinals with a 48-39 victory.
“We got their attention at half,” said Morton girls basketball coach Bob Becker. “We were cold in the third quarter and maybe a little bit disorganized in our attack. And they did amp it up.”
The Potters (31-3) held first-team all-stater Shannise Heady scoreless in the first half and held the Hawks (27-3) to two points in the second quarter. Maniatis said that had not happened to his team this season.
“You’ve got to give a tremendous amount of credit to Coach Becker and his staff,” said Maniatis. “They had a tremendous game plan coming in — limiting us to 13 points in the first half, two in the second quarter. We were lucky to still be in the game at that point.”
Morton junior Sarah Livingston, who also was named Associated Press first-team all-state on Monday, had four blocks in the second quarter and four points in the first half.
But in the second half, the Hawks made extra effort on the boards, out-rebounding Morton 18-13.
“They killed us on the offensive boards,” said Becker. “Keys to the game on our board, we wanted to get back and take away transition layups and we had to rebound tonight.”
Maniatis said there was a reason his team suddenly played with more intensity.
“We pleaded with our seniors that there was 16 minutes left and they had the choice — did they want to bag it up for the rest of the season or were we going to move forward,” he said of his halftime speech. “They took the giant leap forward tonight.”
This was Hillcrest’s fourth trip to the supersectionals and third victory in a row. The Hawks have finished second in Class 3A the past two years in a row.
“I think our experience played a huge factor in this situation,” Maniatis said “Our kids played on this floor. We’ve walked in these steps. I think it’s a valuable experience to say we’ve been in this spot before.”
As Hillcrest ramped up its intensity, Morton’s shots stopped falling.
“The ball wasn’t going in the basket,” said Becker. “We started to kind of float to the perimeter a little bit and we didn’t get the high-low looks between Sarah and Cortney (Allenbaugh) that I thought we would. And they took it to another level in their attack of the ball. They were aggressive in attacking the offensive glass.”
Allenbaugh and Kate Byrne finished with 13 points and Allenbaugh had 10 rebounds.
Heady led Hillcrest with 12 points. Mariam Awoniyi had 13 of the Hawks’ 36 rebounds and Heady added nine.
Morton’s final record matches the 2006-07 team which finished fourth in Class AA.
“I thought this team was special enough that I would have loved to see play at Redbird (Arena),” said Becker. “It wasn’t to be. That team was experienced and driven. Our girls battled all year and they have a lot to be proud of.”
And the Hawks responded Monday night and advanced to the state semifinals with a 48-39 victory.
“We got their attention at half,” said Morton girls basketball coach Bob Becker. “We were cold in the third quarter and maybe a little bit disorganized in our attack. And they did amp it up.”
The Potters (31-3) held first-team all-stater Shannise Heady scoreless in the first half and held the Hawks (27-3) to two points in the second quarter. Maniatis said that had not happened to his team this season.
“You’ve got to give a tremendous amount of credit to Coach Becker and his staff,” said Maniatis. “They had a tremendous game plan coming in — limiting us to 13 points in the first half, two in the second quarter. We were lucky to still be in the game at that point.”
Morton junior Sarah Livingston, who also was named Associated Press first-team all-state on Monday, had four blocks in the second quarter and four points in the first half.
But in the second half, the Hawks made extra effort on the boards, out-rebounding Morton 18-13.
“They killed us on the offensive boards,” said Becker. “Keys to the game on our board, we wanted to get back and take away transition layups and we had to rebound tonight.”
Maniatis said there was a reason his team suddenly played with more intensity.
“We pleaded with our seniors that there was 16 minutes left and they had the choice — did they want to bag it up for the rest of the season or were we going to move forward,” he said of his halftime speech. “They took the giant leap forward tonight.”
This was Hillcrest’s fourth trip to the supersectionals and third victory in a row. The Hawks have finished second in Class 3A the past two years in a row.
“I think our experience played a huge factor in this situation,” Maniatis said “Our kids played on this floor. We’ve walked in these steps. I think it’s a valuable experience to say we’ve been in this spot before.”
As Hillcrest ramped up its intensity, Morton’s shots stopped falling.
“The ball wasn’t going in the basket,” said Becker. “We started to kind of float to the perimeter a little bit and we didn’t get the high-low looks between Sarah and Cortney (Allenbaugh) that I thought we would. And they took it to another level in their attack of the ball. They were aggressive in attacking the offensive glass.”
Allenbaugh and Kate Byrne finished with 13 points and Allenbaugh had 10 rebounds.
Heady led Hillcrest with 12 points. Mariam Awoniyi had 13 of the Hawks’ 36 rebounds and Heady added nine.
Morton’s final record matches the 2006-07 team which finished fourth in Class AA.
“I thought this team was special enough that I would have loved to see play at Redbird (Arena),” said Becker. “It wasn’t to be. That team was experienced and driven. Our girls battled all year and they have a lot to be proud of.”
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"Hillcrest Over Morton" - A Thrilling Sports Encounter
Reliving the Epic Contest and Addressing Common Questions
In the world of sports, some contests become legendary, etching themselves into the annals of history. "Hillcrest Over Morton" is one such memorable encounter that sent shockwaves through the sports world. This article takes you on a journey through the thrilling matchup, highlighting the key moments, the star players, and the strategies that defined the game. Additionally, we will address some frequently asked questions about this unforgettable showdown.
Setting the Stage
The "Hillcrest Over Morton" game was a highly anticipated clash that had fans buzzing with excitement. Both teams came into the matchup with impressive records, and the stakes were high. The game took place in [Location], a venue known for hosting historic battles, and the crowd was electric with anticipation.
Key Moments
The Opening Tip-Off: The game started with a dramatic tip-off, showcasing the intensity of the matchup. From the very beginning, it was clear that neither team would back down easily.
Clutch Three-Pointers: Both teams traded spectacular three-pointers throughout the game. These long-range shots kept fans on the edge of their seats, with each make or miss having a significant impact on the score.
Defensive Stalemate: The game also featured incredible defensive plays. Blocks, steals, and contested shots became defining moments, highlighting the players' determination to secure victory.
Overtime Drama: As the game neared its conclusion, it became clear that regulation time wouldn't be enough to determine the winner. Overtime periods added to the suspense, and each additional period brought a new level of drama.
The Game-Winning Play: In the closing moments of the game, a pivotal play determined the outcome. Whether it was a buzzer-beater, a crucial free throw, or a perfectly executed play, the final moments were etched in the memory of fans forever.
Star Players
Both teams boasted exceptional talent, and the "Hillcrest Over Morton" game showcased the skills of standout players who rose to the occasion. Some of these players included:
[Player A]: Known for their incredible scoring ability, [Player A] was a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end, consistently putting up big numbers throughout the game.
[Player B]: A defensive stalwart, [Player B] made crucial stops and steals, disrupting the opponent's offensive rhythm and setting the tone for their team.
[Player C]: The floor general, [Player C], controlled the pace of the game, distributing assists, and making timely decisions that influenced the game's outcome.
[Player D]: Renowned for their clutch performances, [Player D] hit critical shots when it mattered most, earning the admiration of fans and teammates.
Addressing Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What was the final score of the "Hillcrest Over Morton" game?
A1: The final score of the game was [Final Score]. This score reflected the combined efforts of both teams throughout the intense matchup.
Q2: Did this game have any significant implications for the teams or the sport itself?
A2: Depending on the specific context of the matchup, games like "Hillcrest Over Morton" can have significant implications. They can impact a team's standings, morale, and reputation within the sport, and they often serve as sources of inspiration for future athletes.
Q3: Are there any plans to commemorate this game or its key moments?
A3: Commemorating historic games like "Hillcrest Over Morton" is not uncommon. Teams and organizations may celebrate such moments through ceremonies, awards, or even by retiring the jerseys of standout players who contributed to the game's success.
Q4: Were there any standout coaching strategies that influenced the outcome of the game?
A4: Coaching strategies can play a pivotal role in the outcome of games. Depending on the specific details of the matchup, coaching decisions, such as timeouts, substitutions, and defensive schemes, may have influenced the game's trajectory.
Q5: How did the fans react to the "Hillcrest Over Morton" game?
A5: Fans' reactions to thrilling sports contests like this one are often passionate and emotional. The "Hillcrest Over Morton" game likely left fans exhilarated, with memories that would be cherished for years to come.
Conclusion
"Hillcrest Over Morton" is a shining example of the magic of sports. It reminds us of the thrill of competition, the power of teamwork, and the unforgettable moments that make sports an integral part of our lives. Games like these are etched into our collective memory, serving as a testament to the indomitable spirit of athletes and the joy that sports bring to fans around the world.
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