The junior varsity game started off the night. The starting line-up included Mackenzie Bauer, Emma Engelbrecht, Emily Scheer, Lauren Gerlemann, and Kate Ruediger.
During first quarter, the ball was constantly traded between teams, with New Haven stealing the ball when Silex had possession. By the three minute mark, New Haven was in the lead, with a score of 9-0. Lauren Gerlemann was then granted two free throws and made one out of the two. New Haven kept on stealing the ball from Silex and sinking baskets. Near the end of the quarter, Kate Ruediger was granted two free throws, making one of two. At the end of first quarter, the score was 26-2 New Haven.
The second quarter also brought a bit of excitement when a Silex player sunk a three pointer. Play continued as normal, with the ball switching possession back and forth. Near the last two minutes of the quarter, Alison Long received three free throws. The score at halftime was 38-5, New Haven.
During the halftime shootout, Cortanie Gale and Jacob Wilson shot baskets for prizes. The idea was to make one lay-up, one free throw, one three pointer, and one half court shot in thirty seconds. Prizes included a six pack of soda for the lay-up, a candy bar for the free throw, Subway served at lunch for the three pointer, and VIP parking and an extra life in dodgeball for making the half court shot. Both Cortanie and Jacob received a six pack of soda and a candy bar for making their shots.
During the third quarter, Kate Ruediger was given two free throws, and she made both of them. Later, on the way down the floor to Silex’s basket, Emma Engelbrecht swooped in for a steal and lead New Haven to score another basket. The ball was then back in the possession of Silex once again, but Emily Scheer intercepted the ball, and New Haven scored again. The score at the end of the quarter was 60-8 with New Haven still leading.
The fourth quarter continued on with New Haven and Silex trading the ball back and forth. The ending score of the junior varsity game was 62-14, with New Haven locking in the win.
"The game went well," explained Emma Eichelberger.
The Varsity game followed immediately after the junior varsity game, with Megan Shockley, Makenzy Vedder, Molly Munsinger, Kayla Borcherding, and Taylor Covington starting.
The first quarter was a competition to keep the lead, with the ball constantly switching possession. Makenzy Vedder received two free throws and made one out of the two. Silex then threw the ball out of bounds, and the ball was back in New Haven’s possession. The score by the end of the quarter was 14-11 Silex .
During second quarter the ball was thrown out of bounds by Silex two times in the beginning of the quarter. Possession was granted to New Haven both times. New Haven then fouled Silex, and Silex was given two free throws, one of which was made. Closer to the end of the quarter, the Owls were granted two more free throws, and only one was made. With only 36.5 seconds left in the quarter, Silex fouled New Haven. The score at the end of the second quarter was 30-23, with Silex still leading.
During halftime, another shootout was held, and Trista Kormeier and Zack Vedder were the contestants. Trista Kormeier received a six pack of soda, a candy bar, and subway at lunch for making her three point shot. Zack Vedder received a six pack of soda for his lay-up.
During the third quarter, Kayla Borcherding struggled to keep possession of the ball but passed the ball just in time to keep the ball in New Haven’s possession. Silex then attempted to steal the ball, but Makenzy Vedder intercepted. The rest of the quarter was a battle to stay in the lead, with an ending score of 41-35 Silex.
The Fourth quarter was more of a battle for the ball. After Silex scored their first basket of the quarter, Coach Doug Peirick called for a full timeout. The score was 43-35 at this time. Silex made only one more basket in the game. Each time New Haven had the ball in possession, Silex would steal the ball to keep in the lead. New Haven made three more baskets after the timeout. With time becoming scarce, New Haven fouled Silex many times to try and get possession of the ball back. With only 15.6 seconds left in the quarter, Erin Scheer sunk a three point basket to pull New Haven within one point. Then, Silex stole the ball from New Haven to run out the clock, but the girls wouldn’t give up that easy and still tried to make the winning shot before the clock ran out. The New Haven Shamrocks, however, were unable to beat the Silex Owls, losing the game 45-44.
"I was upset that we lost by one point," explained Shamrock player Lindsey Nixon, "but at least we didn't lose by a landslide."
“The varsity game was intense, especially in that last minute,” mentioned NHHS senior Hannah Pehle.
Even though the Varsity team didn’t win against the Owls, it was a constant battle for the ball. The next time the Shamrocks go up against the Owls, it might just be another close game!
-by Karissa Durbin