Game 37: Sterling vs. Freeport (Girl's Basketball)

Game 37
(12/22/09)
Sterling vs. Freeport (Girl's Basketball)
Sterling Shootout

I believe in an earlier blog entry, I remarked about how cold it was in the gym at the Sterling Fieldhouse. Cold! Uncomfortably cold in my short-sleeve polo. As I scanned the crowd, I noticed I was the only one that was not wearing long sleeves or a coat. Or, as in Richwoods case, bundled up in a Snuggie. Mariah Smith and a teammate (Lily Voelker maybe) were spotted in the end line bleachers wrapped up in their own blue snuggies.

Before the fourth broadcast, I decided to go "warm up". What a difference the gym and concessions area was in regards to heat. Too bad, there was an obstructed view from the concession stand, or I would have moved in there to broadcast.

On my way back in to the gym, I went over and spoke with Sterling boy's basketball coach Ryan Brown. He is in his first year guiding the Golden Warriors, and they are off to a (3-4) start. He tells me he has a couple sophomores that could see some more playing time in the second half of the season. Brown was working radio for the Sterling girl's game.

This was the only matchup of the day that didn't feature any D-1 players. Sterling was looking to claim a win in their own shootout, as both teams entered at (0-4) in the shootout. One of Sterling's players off the bench is Ember Schuldt, who is a fantastic golfer. She took 3rd place in the Class AA state finals this past fall.

The game got off to a slow start, with the hosts building a 9-6 lead after one quarter. They scored in bursts in the second quarter, taking a 28-13 lead into the half. Aleena Hammelman scored eight points in the first half, all in the second quarter to lead Sterling. Freeport was led by Caitlin Greene's eight points.

Slow-paced game could be described for this one, with the Golden Warriors leading 43-22 in the third quarter, and held the Pretzels without a field goal in the fourth quarter, outscoring Freeport 18-5 in the final eight minutes. Sterling would prevail 61-27 and improve to (9-6) on the season. Sloane Wolfe (6'2" Jr.) and Hammelman led Sterling with 14 points each, and Greene led the Pretzels with 10 points.

The Quest File Notes
Game 37
Date: 12/22/09
Result: Sterling claims only win of their shootout, beating Freeport 61-27
Miles: 0