Shik Edges Lady Wildcats 35-31

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BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – In an awesome display of defensive intensity, Central Mountain battled Shikellamy to the wire. The defensive struggle was intense to the very end where the Lady Braves managed to inch forward for their first lead of the game near the end of the third quarter, then extended that slim margin in the final period.

In the first quarter, both teams were stingy on defense and both struggle to score points. Near the end of the period, the scoreboard reflected an equal number of tram fouls committed as total points scored.

Heading into the second quarter, CM had a slim 6-5 lead then managed to double up on Shik, outscoring the Lady Braves 12-6 to hold a 17-12 advantage heading into halftime.

In the third quarter, Shikellamy reversed their offensive fortunes and narrowed the gap leading 27-25 heading into the fourth quarter.

Although both squads had been playing at a very intense level, the final quarter was more of the same with Shik outscoring the host Lady Wildcats 8-6 which was enough for the 4 point margin of victory.

To measure the intensity in finer detail … jump ball exchanges of possessions can be measured by the dozen with both teams relentless in attacking 50-50 balls.

Offensively, Averie Pringle netted 14 points driving the paint for layups, while Grayson McCloy scored 8 working the post and foul line. Elaina Eckley dropped two three-pointers from downtown for 6 points while Emily Strouse scored 2. and Julia Novosat sunk a free throw on the back end of a 1-and-1.

It should also be noted that the Lady Braves are an extremely class act. The visitors presented the Lady Wildcats with a bouquet of flowers to express their sympathy for the Keystone Central community’s loss with the passing of Central Mountain Middle School student, Aidan Fowler last week.

Next up for the Lady ‘Cats is home contest with Midd-West on Jan. 13, 2016.