Harlem edges Rocky Boy, 49-48 in thriller
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Randy Perez
Brooke LeValdo glides in for two of her game high 18 points last Tuesday afternoon during Harlem's 49-48 win over Rocky Boy.
A thrilling, down to the wire 49-48 win over the Rocky Boy Morning Stars last Tuesday allowed Harlem to enter the holiday break with a 3-2 record and a little momentum on their side.
So many times a young team just can't seem to come out on top in close games and getting that first down to the wire win can be a learning experience that can be built upon throughout the remainder of the season.
Harlem had the offense firing on all cylinders early as they took an early 21-14 lead into the second quarter. Senior Brooke LeValdo scored eight points, including a pair of triples to ignite the offense.
LeValdo added another three point bomb and five points in the second helping Harlem take a 32-26 lead into halftime.
Defense was the name of the game after the break as neither team had much success offensively. Rocky Boy trimmed the Harlem lead in the third to 37-34.
The final stanza was a frenzy as both teams were looking to gain an advantage down the stretch.
Harlem held a 49-46 advantage with just seconds left on the clock. Head coach Laramie Schwenke called timeout to set things up, "I said we need to foul as soon as they inbound the ball. Up three, they would only get two free throws. We didn't get the foul right away and panicked a bit fouling the three point shooter."
Randy Perez
freshman Skylee Dirden has been a welcome addition to the roster as she chipped in 11 points in the win over the Morning Stars
The Morning Stars were able to only knock down two free throws giving the Wildcats the narrow win.
"The kids came out right from the start and got after it. We had great intensity and energy throughout the whole game," said Schwenke. "Despite losing the six point lead we had at the half and actually being down by one at one point, I'm most proud of the girls for not giving up."
"The last play of the game is a definite learning curve for us, but we got the win and I'm proud of the kids and the effort and heart they played with the whole game," added Schwenke.
LeValdo finished with 18 points in the contest. Freshman Skylee Dirden added 11 and senior Mari Ereaux tossed in nine.
This Saturday the girls will travel to Cut Bank to begin the new year. Their first home contest will be January 8 against Chinook.
