From Coach Walker, Coach Stevens, and Coach Jent
On Wednesday January 15th the SMS/AJH Lady Rockets travelled to New Hope to play St Joe Olney in the first round of Regional play. The Lady Rockets would topple St. Joe 28-20 to advance to the second round on Friday January 17th at 6 pm vs Jasper/Geff.
The first quarter would end 4-2 in favor of the Lady Rockets and with both teams playing strong defense. In the second SMS/AJH would start to pull away leading St Joe at the half 17-8 after a strong buzzer beater lay-up from Chandler Cusick. During the third, Kali Walker would hit a 3 stunning St Joe. SMS/AJH would again outscore St Joe in the third 6-4 starting the fourth up by 11. Finding a way to defeat St Joes pressure, the Lady Rockets would win 28-20.
Lauren Fisher would have great defense against St Joes leading scorer and ball handler. With Lily Keepes missing the game due to illness, Jordis Riley would move into her starter position and use her size to have 4 blocks and 3 rebounds. Sarah McCorkle would go 2/4 at the line and have 4 total points. McCorkle would also add 5 rebounds. Chandler Cusick was a spark off the bench and would have an explosive 2nd quarter. Overall she would have 6 points, and 9 rebounds. Kali Walker would have 5 points and 4 rebounds. Nora Jones would carry 4 fouls the entire fourth quarter but would have 5 points and 9 rebounds for the night. Madison Stevens would near another double double with 8 points, 2 blocks, and 25 rebounds. Also seeing playing time was Ava Jent, Bella Jent, Natalie Hedge, Madeline Mann, and Cortney Jones. The coaches were happy to see the scoring spread around tonight and have all girls stepping up to create a team win.
Again, the Lady Rockets will play Jasper/Geff at 6 pm Friday at New Hope school for round 2 of Regionals.