It was a great game to be a part of. Huron and Grosse Ile match up pretty well with each other. Both Coach Flemming of Grosse Ile and myself looked forward to the evening knowing it would be a nail biter. Those kind of games are always so fun to be in. 

The first quarter didn't get off to the start we had hoped. We were without Lexi Thomas on the night, so there was a bit of chaos happening on our end with ball control. It was expected, it is new territory for guards Izzy Pritt and Courtney Balasz. We pushed a little and forced a little, which played into the hands of Grosse Ile. They turned turnovers into points very quickly. We also allowed their number one player to have 8 points inside this quarter, that really hurt. The good news was our guards really stepped up and found their comfort zone and we were able to put the first quarter behind us. 

First quarter score: Huron 9 Grosse Ile 17

Quarter two was much more promising. Izzy and Courtney found their bearings and started controlling the tempo. We pushed the ball inside and found some easy opportunities inside-which also allowed for some outside shooting, which we capitalized on. Atherton had a career night, hitting 4 three pointers on the night. Without her hot hand, this game would have gotten away from us, she stepped up huge. She also made some great passes that opened the floor up for others to score. She definitely had the biggest impact on the game this evening. We managed to outscore them 12-11 this quarter, which at least kept the game managable and with in reach coming out of half.

Half Time Score: Huron 21. Grosse Ile 28

Coming out of half pressure was key. We changed some defensive schemes up. Harley Blosser and Kelsey Trombley both stepped up with some key defense on Formentin from Grosse Ile. We didn't fully stop her, but we made her shoot under pressure, created some misses, and Trombley turned into a rebounding machine. We held them to 7 points this quarter. cutting the deficit to 5. 

Third Quarter Score: Huron 30 Gorsse Ile 35

The fourth quarter the kids executed so nicely. The defensive pressure was excellent. Pritt and Balasz forced some big turnovers. We made them shoot under pressure again. We did everything we needed to. Atherton ha another big 3 this quarter, and hit a free throw to tie the game. We held them to only 4 points this quarter and ended up taking the game to overtime. A lot of gutsy play by our kids. Many kids were in positions they don't always play with Thomas out. So for them to do what they did, under pressure, it shows their character and their grit, and that is something to build a team around. 

Huron 39 Grosse Ile 39 

We felt good coming into OT, but we were tired and the game was wearing on us. Our fourth quarter performance was a bit overshadowed by our lack luster OT. We gave our best effort but couldn't execute when it counted. Grosse Ile just took advantage of a 4 minute game. All in all, despite the loss, I still think the kids came away with a new confidence. Our guards found themselves this evening, Atherton realizes her full potential, and our inside game, even though it wasn't over powering, we understand its importance. Looking ahead, to a healthy and whole team, we will look to finish the season out strong. 

Atherton 17 points

Belair 7 points

Pritt 5 points

Balasz 4 points

Calahan 3 points

Egler 2 points

Blosser 2 points

Strochine 2 points