Facing the latest in a string of rated foes, Boone Central dropped a 47-23 decision to Class C1 #5 O’Neill Friday night in Albion.
Boone Central gave the Eagles all they could handle in the early going. The Cardinals had the game tied at 10-10 in the second period before O’Neill (10-1) rattled off a 10-2 run to close the first half. It was the Eagles who flew higher in the third quarter, boosting its 20-12 halftime edge to 36-18. The tenacious O’Neill defense allowed BC six or less points in every quarter.
“We played a top-rated O’Neill team tough in the first half before a Gutshall three started a 10-2 run heading into halftime. They hit a shot before half that gave them momentum into the third quarter,” noted Card Coach Andy Imus. “We had nine turnovers in the third, which obviously hurt us, and O’Neill scored 26 points off our 23 turnovers in the game. Their athleticism and quickness gave us problems, as they put pressure on us full court.”
Much-Needed Lift
It’s been a tough road for Boone Central so far, but the Cardinals stepped up Saturday to score a hard-fought 42-37 victory over host Wayne in Mid-State Conference action.
“It was a gritty win for the girls,” Imus acknowledged. “They were down after leading most of the game and were able to hit some timely shots, dig down deep and play tough defense.”
It was a seesaw battle throughout, with Boone Central holding a slim two-point edge (25-23) at halftime. The Cardinals limited Wayne (4-10) to just four points in the third period, but scored only two themselves. Boone Central trailed 35-31 in the final quarter before Ashtyn Hedlund dropped a pair of 3-point bombs that boosted the Cardinals in front. BC protected that 37-35 lead with stout defense down the stretch and clutch free throw shooting, as Claire Choat and Mara Ranslem each sank 2-of-2 from the line.
“I can’t say enough about how proud I am of this group and how they kept battling in this game,” Imus praised.
Complete details in Print & Online editions of Albion News
