Raiders take a step back
Jan. 14—MIDDLETOWN — Both the ups and the downs of a learning season for a young girls basketball team were on display Saturday afternoon as Shenandoah hosted Randolph Southern.
The Raiders had a solid first half defensive performance, but it gave way to a weak showing after intermission. Hayley Wilson, first year coach, was left shaking her head.
Brianna Smith, a Rebel junior, scored 14 of her 18 points during the second half. Randolph Southern capitalized on six Raiders turnovers in the third quarter to win Middletown with a victory of 42-37.
Halftime saw Wilson’s team with just two seniors, and two juniors see improvement.
She said, “I’m pleased with our progress, however, it’s difficult because this game didn’t show it to me.” “We have played much better than this and are capable of playing even better. It’s disappointing.
Shenandoah held the Rebels to one field goal and three in the second quarter. The Raiders led 17-9 at halftime, thanks to 11 points from the bench in the second quarter. Shenandoah’s only second-period point was scored by McKnight, who also hit a pair 3-point baskets.
Shenandoah forced 10 first-half turnovers, and Randolph Southern was not allowed to make a 3-point basket (11-5 vs 5-2) before the halftime break.
All of this changed when the third-quarter began.
McKnight scored McKnight’s first basket in the third, giving the Raiders a 19-9 lead, their largest advantage of the day. The Rebels increased their defensive pressure and threw Shenandoah into turnovers with five possessions. Four of these possessions resulted in Rebels points.
Haileigh Allen, a freshman, scored on her interior before Smith stole her inbounds pass. She then drained the first 3-pointer. A third Smith steal was a traditional three point play, when Smith was fouled in her lane. Kaibre Stephan ended the quick 11-0 run by scoring a 3-point basket off her steal. The Raiders suddenly found themselves at 20-19.
Wilson stated, “It’s difficult when you have the lead at halftime and then come out and blow it off in 40 seconds.” “They had shooters hit shots that weren’t happening in halftime, so that helped. We became very tight and nervous and weren’t playing our best game. That’s frustrating.”
McKnight temporarily stopped the bleeding with a pair free throws, before Smith and Muterspaugh traded 3-point baskets.
The Rebels led 27-24 with Stephan’s 3-pointer in the fourth. But Shenandoah managed to regroup and score five straight points. Gabbi Pat scored on a drive, Aleyna Sharitts scored on a free throw, while Haley Hughes scored on the rebound basket for a 29 to 27 lead.
The Rebels took the lead for good one possession later on a Stephan 3-pointer — off an offensive rebound. Twice the Raiders pulled within two points — including on a McKnight 3-pointer with 30 seconds remaining — but the Rebels made just enough free throws late to hold Shenandoah off.
Wilson was disappointed by one rebound basket.
Courtney Clear missed a shot with 1:56 remaining and the Rebels still in possession. The Raiders were caught flatfooted and Allen made the rebound. Allen took a Shenandoah turnover and scored a layup to take a six-point advantage.
Wilson stated, “It’s those little things that we do normally really well and that we didn’t (do) today.” “We usually get those weak-side rebound. We are very focused on working hard and getting into the right place to get those weak-side rebound. It’s not getting outhustled.
McKnight was equal to Smith in game-high scoring with 18, while Muterspaugh, Carly Chandler and Muterspaugh each scored seven points. Hughes was the top scorer with nine rebounds.
Stephan was able to score 12 points. Allen scored eight for the Rebels.
The Raiders will stay at home next week when they host Cowan Tuesday evening and Tri Saturday afternoon.
Rob Hunt is available at [email protected] or 765640-4886