Game 61: Richwoods vs. Freeport (Girl's Basketball)

Game 61
Richwoods vs. Freeport (Girl's Basketball)
Sterling Shootout
12/22/10

Before the game, I met Tom Cunningham. He is the father of Richwoods guard Maggie Cunningham. We talked a little Richwoods basketball, along with the teams in the Sterling Shootout.



Since this was the 4th consecutive game, the day starts to run together. It's good that I have my note book handy, or otherwise I would have nothing to write about! It's fun doing a number of games in one day, but the way they all run together can be very difficult, especially at this juncture. I keep telling myself, halfway through, light at the end of the tunnel!

Freeport is probably the most struggling team of the six-team shootout in Sterling this year. In fact, you could group the teams into three. The top tier is Montini, in a class of their own. Then, there is the second tier of good teams (Sterling, Moline, Richwoods, Hononegah), and finally the struggling Pretzels. With that said, here is how I would rank the teams, from what I saw throughout today, not how the head-to-head matchups went, or win/loss record.

1) Montini
2) Hononegah
3) Richwoods
4) Sterling
5) Moline
6) Freeport

Richwoods jumped right on Freeport in the 1st quarter, taking a 21-8 lead after the first eight minutes in front of the lighest crowd of all six games. You could hear a pin drop in the gym. The Knights would move on to put a running clock on their opposition, winning 68-29.

A trio of Knights led in scoring, Karissa London, Mariah Smith, and Katie Behm each scored 13 points. Maggie Cunningham added 9 points, and Breanna Baker pitched in 8 points. Richwoods forced 22 turnovers. The Pretzels were led by Mackenzie Wagner's 11 points.

Throughout the day, Buffalo Wild Wings held a raffle. There were three tickets announced during halftime of each game. The first winner had one shot to make a layup. If they did, they won six free wings. The second shooter had to make a free throw. That winner won (I believe) a $10 gift certificate to BWW, and everyone in their row at the gym won six free wings. The final winner attempted a half court shot. If made, they won a $50 Buffalo Wild Wings gift certificate and EVERYBODY in the gym won six free wings. Funny thing is, three of the six contestants missed a LAYUP. On two occasions, the half court shot came close.