T-town Girls End Effingham 24-Game Winning Streak

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Published on January 31 2014 9:56 pm
Last Updated on February 1 2014 6:05 pm
Written by Millie Lange

Teutopolis High School's defense has been known around the state for years and Friday evening the Wooden Shoes proved once again that defense was big as they downed the Hearts 29-25 ending a 24-game winning streak for the EHS girls basketball squad. The two squads played before a huge crowd at EHS Gym.

"It wasn't a pretty game," said T-town Coach Laurie Thompson. "I thought the first half we did a nice job but in the second half we should have been more aggressive. You have to give credit to our defense, it kept Effingham from getting into a rhythm."

The first quarter wasn't pretty as the Shoes edged out to a 4-0 lead. On Effingham's side, the Hearts took only three shots and had eight turnovers. On the Shoes side of the court, they could find the net only twice in 14 attempts.

The Hearts then knocked in only one basket by Lauren Stephenson before the half in nine attempts. T-town got somewhat better from the field but still could find only three shots in eight attempts.

"We dug ourselves a deep, deep hole," said EHS Coach Jeff Schafer. "I don't think many people in the gym thought we'd be back within a basket."

But the Hearts came out and started to roll as Josie Zerrusen nailed a basket and then knocked in two huge three-pointers. But the Wooden Shoes started to roll also on the offensive side of the court, connecting on six of 12 baskets and held a 23-12 lead going into the final period.

That's when Zerrusen continued her three-point shots, connecting on another one while Caitlin Kaufman nailed a trifecta. The Hearts pulled within 23-19 with 3:41 showing in the game. Cierra Thompson made a nice move for the Shoes and pushed the lead back to 25-19. and eventually the Shoes led 27-19. Jantzen Michael hit an off balance shot and was fouled with 1:27 showing and connected and the Hearts were back within five.

Then with only 41.3 ticks left, Zerrusen knocked down her fourth three-pointer of the game and the lead had dwindled to three. The Hearts fouled to get the ball back and T-town could only find the range on two of 10 free throws but that was enough as they outlasted the Hearts barrage for the victory.

"We took care of the passing lanes," said Thompson. "But we had some miscommunication and they got some three-pointers to drop. I think when these two teams meet there's always excitement and this is one of the best T-town, Effingham crowds I've seen."

Madeline Hartke led the Shoes with nine points and seven rebounds.

The Shoes improve to 20-4 on the season and will be back in action Saturday at noon hosting Altamont for Senior Day.

"Josie led us in the comeback," said Schafer. "I told them at halftime to come out firing. I'm proud of the kids because they didn't quit. They fought back time after time. They're very upset at this loss."

EHS was led by Zerrusen with 14 points. Stephanie Robb and Kaufman pulled down five boards each. The Hearts drop to 24-1 on the season.

At Effingham

TEUTOPOLIS (29)

Repking 2-3 0-1 4, Thompson 3-10 0-2 6,  Giles 0-1 0-0 0, Schmacher 2-6 1-4 5, M. Hartke 4-11 1-2 9, A. Hartke 2-6 1-3 5, Hardiek 0-1 0-0 0. TOTALS 13-38 FG, 3-12 FT.

EFFINGHAM (25)

Michael 1-6 2-3 4, Totten 0-2 0-0 0, Robb 2-3 0-0 2, Kaufman 1-6 0-0 3, Zerrusen 5-12 0-0 14, Beals 0-0 0-0 0, Field 0-1 0-0 0, Stephenson 1-1 0-0 2, Nunamaker 0-0 0-0 0. TOTALS 9-31 FG, 2-3 FT.

Teutopolis          4    7    12      6    --    29

Effingham          0    2    10    13    --    25

3-point FG -- Teutopolis 0-3, Effingham 5-17 (Michael 0-3, Totten 0-1, Kaufman 1-5, Zerrusen 4-8).

Junior  Varsity  Game -- Teutopolis 36, Effingham 21.