Game 103
(2/26/10)
Ridgewood vs. Hinckley-Big Rock (Girl's Basketball)
IHSA Class 1A Semifinal
This was the marquee matchup in the semifinals in Class 1A. The defending state champs (H-BR) against the first year co-op Ridgewood. Both teams came in with (31-2) records. The Lady Royals have been battle tested with their two losses to a very strong Elmhurst Immaculate Conception, and a two-point loss to a strong 3A Aurora Rosary.
However, the Lady Royals had not been tested in the postseason, winning all of their games by double digits. In fact, Hinckley-Big Rock's average scoring margin this year is 62-29. Ridgewood comes in after being pressured in a Regional championship, beating Knoxville in overtime, and a double-overtime win in the Sectional championship over Annawan.
One thing that could be on Ridgewood's side is the deep bench. The Spartans normally play 11 players, while Hinckley-Big Rock's roster consists of only eight players. Of course, they do have a division-1 player in Northern Illinois-bound Jenna Thorp, and most likely a second D-1 player in (Jr.) Tess Godhardt. Godhardt tore up Redbird Arena as a sophomore in leading the Royals to the title.
Ridgewood has the Williams Sisters...I like saying that. No, not Venus and Serena, but Michelle and Stephanie. Michelle Williams (5'10" Guard) comes in averaging 7.1 points/game, 3.7 assists/game, and 2.8 rebounds/game, while sister Stephanie (5'11" Forward) averages 10.2 points/game, 7.3 rebounds/game, and 1.9 assists/game. Earlier this week, the two sisters signed to play Volleyball for Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg.
Despite having the Statview screen in front of me along press row, I still took turnover stats during the first game. The stats crew and I had differing opinions, apparently, on turnovers, so I just decided for this game to let them keep track, since they are official. I've written earlier about what constitutes a turnover in my stat keeping.
The Lady Royals jumped out to a 16-10 lead after the first quarter, led by Tess Godhardt's 8 points. Hinckley-Big Rock just dominated the paint, scoring most of their points throughout the game inside.
It was all Ridgewood in the second quarter, as the Spartans outscored the Royals 20-9. Ella Teel knocked down all four free throws she shot, as well as a big three-pointer in the run. She had 12 points at halftime, with Ridgewood taking a 30-27 lead into the break.
A sea of blue decorated Redbird Arena, with a huge contingent of fans from Hinckley-Big Rock. If blue is in your school color, and you make a state run, where blue! It stands out so much in a red Redbird Arena. It was hard to make out the Ridgewood section, with half of the fans wearing blue, and half wearing white.
Hinckley-Big Rock got into foul trouble in the third quarter, with Tess Godhardt picking up her third foul with 5:10 to play in the third. With her on the bench, the Spartans couldn't quite take an advantage, taking just a six-point lead, at 33-27. The Royals would rally back, even in Godhardt's absence, outscoring the Spartans 9-6 in the frame.
The teams traded baskets throughout the fourth quarter, but not too many, with just six points scored by each team. The Royals had the ball with 0:20 to play in regulation, game tied at 42-42. Ridgewood's defense held strong, and disallowed any good shot to get off by Hinckley-Big Rock.
It was all Royals in the overtime session, as they jumped out behind three Godhardt baskets, to take a 48-42 lead. Ridgewood would slice into that deficit, but not enough as the Royals would move on to the state championship game for the second straight year, with a 49-46 win.
Tess Godhardt scored 19 points for Hinckley-Big Rock, while Jenna Thorp added 14 points. Ella Teel led Ridgewood with 14 points, while Stephanie Williams pitched in 10 points in the loss.
Scary moments after the game, as a man collapsed on the baseline right at the end of the game. Emergency personnel aided the man, who appeared to respond. Someone on press row mentioned he suffered a seizure, but I was unable to get any confirmation. He was taken by stretcher to an ambulance.
After the postgame show wrapped up, I headed out, to find a new scorebook. Looking at the IHSSN facebook page, Dave Oloffson made a comment about how the Dick's Sporting Goods scorebooks were a little different. This was something I quickly found out on that run in Springfield prior to the Riverton Shootout. Which reminded me, that was just a couple weeks ago, and this is going to be my 5th scorebook, but I've only broadcasted 103 games now. After opening the scorebook and counting the pages, there is room for just 15 games, half of a normal scorebook....same price. Well, sorry Dick's, no more scorebook buying from me you sneaky....
I punched Dick's into Garmin and it took me right there. As I walked in, I started checking out their selection of clothes, and decided to pick up an Under Armour shirt. I've done more shopping in the last two days, than I have in the last year.
After that, I needed to find some lunch, so I headed to the first fast food joint with time winding down. It was Burger King, and I chose the Italian Chicken sandwich, something I hadn't seen on the menu before. It was very good, I would suggest it to any Burger King connosieurs.
Back to Redbird Arena, as we get set for broadcast #104....
The Quest File Notes
Game 103
Date: 2/26/10
Result: Hinckley-Big Rock wins a back-and-forth nail biter, beating Ridgewood 49-46
Miles: 8
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