Moline had a point to prove, and Rock Island had a championship to win.
When the two met Thursday night, they wrote another chapter in the QC's best rivalry, as the Rocky girls outlasted Moline 64-63 in overtime to win the outright Western Big 6 Conference girls basketball championship, their second title in a row after last season's split.
The Maroons (8-19, 2-7 WB6), playing with a chip on their collective shoulder, fired away at better than 50-percent from the floor and Jordan de los Reyes had her best game of the season, but it wasn't enough to keep the Rocks from celebrating at center court in their home gym after the win.
The victory was sealed in a rather bizarre fashion as Jacqueline Twing hauled down a wild pass, and with her back to the basket, turned and chucked it at the hoop, making contact with Moline's Ashley Lewis and drawing a whistle.
With just 3.3 seconds left, Twing made 1-of-2 free throws giving Rocky a 62-61 lead. But a Moline turnover gave the ball back with 1.8 seconds left. Harmonee Trice was fouled 8-tenths of a second later and made both free throws to give the Rocks a 3-point lead.
A full-court pass to Morgan Gerard went uncontested, but the Moline sharpshooter couldn't haul it down until she was under the basket, making a layup at the buzzer for the final total.
Gerard ended with a game-high 18 points, while the Maroons also got a double-double from de los Reyes with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Emily Knight added 15, with Kristina Bozickovic leading the way from the point. The big shot of the night came when de los Reyes banged home a 3-pointer with just 28 seconds left in regulation to tie things up and force overtime.
For the Rocks (23-3, 9-0 WB6), Shavonne Brewer matched de los Reyes' totals with her own double-double, while Mercedes Jackson also accomplished the feat with 15 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Shamia Clark also got into double-figures with 10 points.
"I'm thrilled to have won," Rocky coach Thad Hoover said. "This really shows how good our league is."
The Maroons led the majority of the game, although Rocky had its biggest lead of the night, five, with just 46 seconds left. Turnovers, and de los Reyes buckets, led to the tie and overtime.
"We've got great competitors, these kids didn't want to quit until the end. It was just an unfortunate result," Moline coach Steve Ford said. "We just played the No. 6 team in the state to 1 point in overtime. We're where we need to be, playing our best at the end of the season."
The Rocks were 7-for-8 from the free-throw line in overtime, not needing a field goal to get the win and maybe that's for the best. Rocky was just 20-for-71, or 28-percent, from the field for the game, and an awful 4-for-32 from behind the 3-point arc.
Moline on the other hand will be haunted by what could have been as they went just 9-for-21 from the free-throw line and committed 27 turnovers.
"Our free throws saved us," said Brewer of the Rocks, who lost a game due to free throws earlier in the season. "We lived and learned. We went back in the gym and played a game called logjam where we just focused on free throws."
The win gives Rock Island just its second ever outright WB6 crown.
"When I came to Rocky, we were toward the bottom of the conference so this means a lot," Brewer said. "It really means a lot. It kind of makes me want to shed a tear."
Rocky OT Winner: The Thrilling Drama of Overtime Triumphs
In the realm of sports, few moments capture the essence of exhilaration and determination like a "Rocky OT Winner." This phrase evokes images of intense competition, heart-pounding suspense, and the triumphant feeling of achieving victory in overtime. In this article, we delve into the excitement and significance of a "Rocky OT Winner," exploring the dynamics of overtime play, the emotions it elicits, and answering some frequently asked questions surrounding this thrilling phenomenon.
The Drama of Overtime Play
Overtime play in sports is the ultimate test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. When a game is tied at the end of regular play, teams enter overtime periods to determine the winner. These periods often have modified rules, shorter time frames, and a heightened sense of urgency.
A "Rocky OT Winner" takes this drama to the next level. It represents a victory secured in overtime, showcasing a team's ability to rise above exhaustion, pressure, and challenges to seize victory from the jaws of uncertainty.
Emotions of Triumph and Determination
A "Rocky OT Winner" encapsulates a rollercoaster of emotions. The triumph of securing victory after a grueling match-up can be euphoric, both for the players and the fans. It's a testament to the team's resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
For players, a "Rocky OT Winner" is the result of unwavering determination, strategic prowess, and physical endurance. It's a moment they've trained and worked tirelessly for, culminating in a climax that showcases their skills at their peak.
Frequently Asked Questions about "Rocky OT Winner"
Q1: What sports typically have overtime play?
Overtime play is common in various sports, including ice hockey, soccer (football), American football, basketball, and more. Each sport has its own rules and regulations for overtime play, which often add to the excitement and intensity of the game.
Q2: Is "Rocky OT Winner" a reference to the Rocky movie franchise?
While the phrase "Rocky OT Winner" doesn't specifically reference the Rocky movies, it does draw on the imagery of determination and triumph associated with the Rocky Balboa character. Just as Rocky overcame challenges to achieve victory, a "Rocky OT Winner" symbolizes a hard-fought victory in the face of adversity.
Q3: How do teams prepare for overtime play?
Teams prepare for overtime play through physical conditioning, strategic planning, and mental resilience. Coaches and players anticipate the possibility of overtime and develop strategies to maximize their chances of success in these high-pressure situations.
Q4: What strategies are commonly employed in overtime play?
Strategies in overtime play often focus on quick execution, taking calculated risks, and capitalizing on opponents' vulnerabilities. Teams may adjust their formations, pacing, and play-calling to create opportunities for scoring and secure a "Rocky OT Winner."
A "Rocky OT Winner" represents the epitome of sports excitement and drama. It's a manifestation of determination, grit, and the unyielding pursuit of victory. As players and fans celebrate these exhilarating moments, they're reminded of the enduring spirit of competition and the joy of achieving greatness under pressure.
Whether it's the last-minute goal, the game-winning shot, or the dramatic touchdown in overtime, a "Rocky OT Winner" lives on in the annals of sports history as a testament to the magic that unfolds when athletes push their limits and rise above challenges. So, next time you witness a game heading into overtime, brace yourself for the possibility of witnessing a "Rocky OT Winner" that will keep you on the edge of your seat and inspire you to believe in the power of determination and triumph.
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