Moline girls' basketball coach Steve Ford wasn't afraid to say it.
He's glad his Maroons caught the Quincy Blue Devils, losers of 29 straight Western Big 6 games after a 46-42 Moline win at Wharton Field House on Thursday night, early in the conference schedule.
"I think they showed signs against United Township, against Galesburg and against us. They are going to win some games. I'm glad we were able to battle them and pull it out."
Quincy coach Demond Dade is less shy about just how many games he thinks his Blue Devils, now 4-5 but 0-3 in the WB6, can win.
"We could be 3-0; we should be 3-0" in the Big 6, Dade emphatically stated. "I'm proud of our girls; we are working on mental toughness. For so long, we have been the whipping post of the Big 6, been laughed at. But at some point, we've got to catch a fair break.
"Against Galesburg, they shot 24 free throws in a three-minute overtime, and I don't even know how that's possible. And we shot eight all game this game." And was 8-of-8.
"Our mantra, and I don't know if you heard it as we came out of the locker room, is that we still want to be conference champs. It is going to take getting some help, but we need to start taking care of business."
That's a mouthful considering Quincy hasn't won in the Big 6 since the sixth game of 2009. Yet, it did seem as if they had outplayed the Maroons (4-6, 2-1), forcing 24 turnovers and outrebounding the hosts 30-25.
"That pressure was pretty extreme," Ford said of the Blue Devil defense.
In fact, Moline needed every ounce of fortitude from its top two of Morgan Gerard and Becky Lankford. Gerard hit 9-of-14 shots en route to 20 points to go with six rebounds. Lankford was one rebound shy of a double-double, with 10 points and nine boards.
"Becky was outstanding; I don't think she ever sat down except for maybe timeouts," Ford said of his center. "And yet, she still hit that 3" midway through the fourth quarter to give Moline some breathing room at 43-38.
Lankford hobbled out of the locker room, but it wasn't from only playing hard for 32 minutes at both ends of the court. "I twisted my ankle toward the end of the game," she explained. "This was a conference game and we really wanted it. A lot of people were not giving us a lot of credit going into the season, but we proved we can win and we will."
The same holds true for Quincy.
The Devils were hurt by 2-of-21 shooting beyond the arc, and a 3-of-15 from the field in the fourth quarter. Quincy entered that frame up by a point. That lead got to three (38-35) before two Jordan de los Reyes free throws and back-to-back 3s by Gerard and Lankford turned the tide.
And by the time de los Reyes closed it out with two more free throws with 13 seconds left, Moline was able to breathe a sigh of relief that the Devils didn't end their streak against it.
"We didn't say anything" to the girls about Quincy's 28 straight, Ford said. "I'm happy we got better and still got a win. All Thursdays in the Big 6 are going to be like that."
And the way the Blue Devils have played, one of those upcoming Thursdays just might provide the break they've sought to break that skid.
Moline's Endurance Prevails: A Grueling Victory Over Quincy Introduction In the world of sports, resilience and determination often serve as the driving forces behind remarkable victories. Such was the case when Moline triumphed over Quincy in a grueling match that tested the limits of both teams. This hard-fought victory stands as a testament to the athletes' tenacity, skill, and unwavering spirit. In this article, we will delve into the details of Moline's endurance-driven win over Quincy, dissecting the strategies, players' performances, and the broader implications of this intense matchup. Join us as we explore the dynamics of the game, unravel the narrative, and celebrate the triumph of the human spirit on the field. The Battle of Perseverance: Moline vs. Quincy The stage was set for a battle that would push both teams to their limits as Moline faced off against Quincy. The anticipation leading up to the match was palpable, with fans bracing themselves for a display of athleticism, strategy, and sheer willpower. The contest promised not only intense competition but also a lesson in the unyielding pursuit of victory. The Anatomy of Endurance Moline's victory over Quincy was a testament to their endurance, preparation, and the ability to weather challenges. The win was a culmination of several factors that contributed to Moline's triumph on that demanding day. Let's delve into the key elements that played a role in this hard-fought victory: Physical Preparedness: Endurance-driven victories are often born from rigorous training. Moline's players displayed physical readiness, maintaining their energy levels and performance standards throughout the demanding match. Mental Toughness: A resilient mindset can be the difference-maker in a battle of endurance. Moline's players exhibited mental toughness, staying focused and composed even when faced with adversity. Strategic Conservation: Managing resources strategically is crucial in endurance matches. Moline's players balanced their efforts, ensuring they had the stamina to outlast their opponents. Team Support: Mutual support within the team plays a vital role in enduring challenges. Moline's players encouraged each other, creating a supportive environment that fostered unity and determination. Key Players' Contributions: Victory in endurance matches often hinges on the contributions of key players who step up when needed most. Moline's players delivered standout performances that energized the team and boosted morale. The Ripple Effect of Grit The aftermath of Moline's victory over Quincy reverberates through the sports community as a demonstration of the impact of grit and determination. Such victories inspire not only athletes but also fans, who witness the indomitable spirit that fuels athletic achievement. The win serves as a reminder that even when facing challenging circumstances, the human capacity for endurance and perseverance is boundless. FAQs About Moline's Victory Over Quincy 1. Was this Moline's first endurance-driven victory? Moline has a history of showcasing endurance-driven victories, displaying their ability to endure and triumph even in demanding matchups. 2. Did the victory affect Moline's standing in the league? While the victory certainly had a positive impact on Moline's standing, their overall league ranking considers a combination of multiple matches and performances. 3. How are Moline's players recovering after the grueling match? Recovery after such matches involves a combination of rest, hydration, and proper nutrition. The team's coaching staff plays a crucial role in ensuring players' well-being. 4. Did Quincy put up a strong fight despite the loss? Absolutely, Quincy's resilience and efforts are commendable. Their tenacity added to the intensity of the match and made Moline's victory all the more significant. 5. What lessons can athletes draw from this victory? The victory highlights the importance of physical preparedness, mental toughness, and teamwork in endurance-driven scenarios. It serves as a reminder that pushing through challenges can lead to triumph. Conclusion Moline's endurance-driven victory over Quincy transcends the boundaries of sports, embodying the essence of perseverance, teamwork, and the unwavering human spirit. Beyond the final score, the match serves as a reminder that the journey is as important as the destination. As Moline's athletes celebrate their triumph, they remind us all that the path to victory is paved with sweat, determination, and an unwavering commitment to surpassing one's own limits. In celebrating their achievement, we also celebrate the enduring power of human potential in the world of sports and beyond.
No comments:
Post a Comment