Game 28: Knoxville vs. West Prairie (Girl's Basketball)

Game 28
(12/14/09)
Knoxville vs. West Prairie (Girl's Basketball)
Knoxville-Abingdon Tournament (@ Knoxville)

On paper, this should be an easy win for the home team, the state-ranked Knoxville Blue Bullets (Class 1A #5). Knoxville comes in with just one loss, a tough four-point heartbreaker to a very good South Fulton team. Meanwhile, West Prairie comes in with just a single win.

The visiting Cyclones hang tough early, trailing just 13-9 after one quarter. Abby Ball of the Blue Bullets knocks down a pair of three-pointers to lift Knoxville in the first frame. She would add another trey in the second quarter. The Blue Bullets would further their lead into double digits through the second quarter, taking a 25-13 lead into the break.

West Prairie struggled mightily in the first half, making bad passes, and giving up a lot of turnovers. The second half was a much different story. The Cyclones came out hungry, and started chipping into that 12-point deficit. After a few minutes, it was down to six points, and Knoxville continued to struggle, at both getting shots to fall, and keeping posession against a feisty West Prairie defense.

In the third quarter, the defense of Megan Wallen was near perfect, forcing several Knoxville turnovers, and giving the Blue Bullets a fit when on offense. Taylor Harper also was big for the Cyclone defense in the third quarter. West Prairie would outscore the hosts 14-2 in the period after halftime, tying the game at 27-27 heading into the fourth quarter.

Starting the fourth quarter, the Cyclones reverted back to their play of the first half, making poor decisions and turning the ball over. Knoxville would jump out to a two point lead, and extend on that early in the fourth. West Prairie tried to fight back, but in the end fell short. Abby Ball, who had started the game just (1-5) from the free throw line was clutch, sinking her final four free throws in the final quarter.

Knoxville would hang on to beat West Prairie, 44-37. The Cyclones have really impressed me at times with their play in the two games I have seen. West Prairie has had great opportunities to beat a pair of one-loss teams in Knoxville (11-1), and last week, Monmouth-Roseville (currently 9-1).

Abby Ball led all scorers with 19 points, while Hannah Weedman, the Evansville-signee scored 13 points. The 6'3" Senior also had several blocks and rebounds for the Blue Bullets. Chelsea Derry led West Prairie with 14 points.

The Quest File Notes
Game 28
Date: 12/14/09
Result: Knoxville hangs on for 44-37 win over West Prairie
Miles: Already there