It's a good thing for Moline halftime came when it did.
The Maroons looked lethargic on offense in the first half Thursday but went into the locker room and came out a different team, grinding their way to a 46-41 Western Big 6 Conference girls' basketball win over Alleman.
The Class 3A state-rated Pioneers held the lead throughout the second and third quarters, and led 36-30 with two minutes left in the third. But that's when 4A Moline put the clamps down and finally made some headway.
The Maroons (2-5, 1-1 WB6) went on a 10-0 run that spanned more than 7 minutes, leapfrogging Alleman in the process. If it wasn't for Karli Anderson's drought-ending 3-pointer, the finish would have been even worse for the Pioneers.
However, Anderson's trey was one of just two baskets for Alleman in the quarter as Moline closed the game by outscoring the visitor 16-5 in the final 10 minutes.
"We still had times in the second half that reminded me of the first half, but we didn't give up," Moline coach Steve Ford said. "At halftime I told them 'we need to be more aggressive.' That was the biggest change, our overall aggressiveness."
Alleman (4-3, 0-2 WB6) was happy to play the faster style of play, matching Moline basket for basket throughout the third, but fouls led to lots of free throws, and a slower style in the final quarter.
Moline went to the line for 17 free throws, making good on enough of them to get the win, although the 14-for-23 shooting probably will be a point of emphasis at practice.
The Pioneers remained winless in the Big 6 but had a nice game from junior Erin Morrisey, who pulled down a game-high 8 rebounds and had a career-high 4 blocks. Anne Bohnert led Alleman again in scoring with 10, but the Pioneers shot just 2-for-10 in the decisive fourth.
"It felt like we were stuck on 36 (points) for 3 days," Alleman coach Jay Hatch said. "We did a ton of good things, just not enough of them to win.
"We had good shots that didn't go down, and then we got tentative. It seemed like Moline got every 50-50 ball and then hit a three."
Moline had a huge game from Becky Lankford, who seemed to be the most inspired Maroon, going 4-for-4 from the field in the second half and leading all scorers with 11 points.
"We just needed to pick up the intensity," Lankford said. "We started playing harder, and the energy level really picked up. Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves to have that kind of intensity right from the start."
Jordan de los Reyes scored 10 points, and Morgan Gerard finished with 7 points and a team-high 7 rebounds as Moline moved back to .500 at 1-1 in the league.
Maroons hang another banner: Before the game, the Moline seniors trotted over to and hooked up another Sweet 16 banner and sent it to the rafters. Last year was Moline's fifth straight sectional championship game appearance.
Moline's Triumph Over Alleman: Unraveling a Captivating High School Sports Rivalry
In the realm of high school sports, few things capture the essence of competition and camaraderie like a showdown between two archrivals. The matchup between Moline High School and Alleman High School is a perfect example of such a rivalry, fueled by history, passion, and a shared desire for victory. In this article, we delve into the riveting encounter that saw Moline emerging victorious over Alleman, exploring the dynamics of the game, the standout performances, and addressing the frequently asked questions surrounding this captivating clash.
The Rivalry's Rich History
The rivalry between Moline and Alleman High Schools is one steeped in tradition and pride. The two schools, situated in the same community, have a storied history of competing against each other in various sports, igniting the passions of students, alumni, and local fans. This storied rivalry sets the stage for a matchup that goes beyond the court and field—it's a battle for bragging rights and a chance to uphold school pride.
The Game's Unfolding Drama
As Moline and Alleman faced off in their latest encounter, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and excitement. Both teams knew that this game was more than just another matchup—it was an opportunity to make a statement, secure a victory, and add another chapter to their rivalry's narrative.
Moline's Triumph
1. Solid Defensive Strategy
Moline's standout performance was fueled by a well-executed defensive strategy. From the opening tip-off, they demonstrated their ability to thwart Alleman's offensive efforts, stifling their opponents' attempts to score and creating turnovers that translated into valuable points.
2. Teamwork and Cohesion
The power of teamwork was evident as Moline players seamlessly moved the ball, executed plays, and capitalized on scoring opportunities. Their chemistry and unselfish play demonstrated their commitment to working together towards a common goal.
3. The Standout Player
One player's exceptional contribution became a driving force behind Moline's victory. Their scoring prowess, defensive acumen, and leadership on the court set the tone for the team's performance, inspiring their teammates to elevate their game.
FAQ's: Shedding Light on the Moline vs. Alleman Rivalry
Q1: What makes the Moline vs. Alleman rivalry unique?
The Moline vs. Alleman rivalry is unique due to its deep-rooted history and the shared community that both schools belong to. The proximity of the schools and the passionate fan base contribute to the intensity of the matchups.
Q2: How do rivalry games impact the players' mindset?
Rivalry games carry heightened emotional weight for players. The desire to outperform the opposing school and secure victory often results in intensified focus, determination, and a sense of responsibility to uphold the school's reputation.
Q3: How do coaches prepare their teams for rivalry matchups?
Coaches recognize the significance of rivalry matchups and tailor their approach accordingly. They emphasize the importance of maintaining composure, executing plays, and treating the game as any other, despite the heightened emotions.
Q4: How does fan involvement contribute to the atmosphere?
Fan involvement is a pivotal element of rivalry matchups. The energy, chants, and support from the stands create an electric atmosphere that fuels the players' passion and enhances the overall experience.
Q5: What lessons can players learn from rivalry games?
Rivalry games teach players about sportsmanship, resilience, and the value of hard work. Regardless of the outcome, these matchups emphasize the importance of giving one's best, learning from both victory and defeat, and maintaining respect for opponents.
A Matchup for the Ages
Moline's triumph over Alleman in their latest matchup adds another chapter to the history of their storied rivalry. The game showcased the heart and soul of high school sports—the dedication, teamwork, and passion that drive athletes to excel both on and off the field.
As fans and athletes reflect on this riveting encounter, they carry with them memories that will last a lifetime. The rivalry between Moline and Alleman will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of students and fans, reminding us all of the transformative power of competition and the bonds that unite communities through the love of the game.
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