The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The girls at West Central High School have had a successful week on the basketball court.
The Heat hosted the Lincoln Trail Conference tournament in Biggsville. Due to cancellation of school and travel concerns with the recent winter storms, the format of the tournament was changed.
The top 4 seeded teams in the conference were automatically advanced to the finals. The games originally scheduled against United and Galva were canceled the first week of the tournament. Instead, #2 seeded West Central faced off against #3 seeded Wethersfield on Wednesday night.
The Heat came out fired up and ready to play the state-ranked team, but ended the first quarter with only a one point lead over the Geese 12-11.
Thanks to outstanding defense from the Heat and several phenomenal field goals from Shelby Bowman, West Central went on to increase their lead to 29-24 at the half and 45-36 at the third quarter mark.
Bowman continued her assault on the Geese in the 4th quarter with the help of Harlee Hainds. The pair led the team in scoring and drew several fouls earning several extra points from the free throw line.
The final score was 62-48 in favor of the Heat. This win secured a spot in the tournament championship game later in the week.
Bowman totaled a career-high 48 points, 8 rebounds, 6 steals, and 4 assists.
Hainds added in 5 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Sam Meyer contributed 6 points and 5 rebounds.
Addie Seitz scored 3 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and had 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
Brooklyn Miller contributed 3 rebounds and a steal. Lainey Klossing pitched in 6 rebounds and 1 steal. Miley Stimpson had 2 rebounds and 1 steal. Kaylee Mills also grabbed 2 rebounds.
Saturday night in Biggsville, the Fire Pit was loud!
The community showed up and packed the gym to support the Heat as they took the court against another state-ranked team for the second time that week.
Back on December 4th when West Central faced Annawan, the Heat walked away with the win 60-49. Even so, the girls from West Central and everyone watching knew it was going to be a tough game.
West Central rose to the challenge. Despite being down by 5 points at the end of the first quarter, the Heat continued to push back.
Shelby Bowman erupted in scoring, knocking down 3 three-point shots, a two-point field goal, and 2 shots from the free throw line just in the second quarter.
At half time, West Central was on top 37-33.
Bowman continued her scoring spree through the third quarter, and with the help of her team shots came in from all over the court, under the basket, and the line bringing the score at the end of the third quarter to 55-48.
The Bravettes had not given up though. There were several lead changes, time outs, and foul calls making the fourth quarter the longest and most exciting quarter of the entire game.
Despite their best efforts, Annawan was unable to hang on when the final horn sounded. West Central took the win 69-65 as well at the Lincoln Trail Conference tournament title!
Bowman led the team with an impressive 44 points, 9 rebounds, 6 steals, and 4 assists.
Harlee Hainds earned a double-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block.
Sam Meyer knocked down 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.
Addie Seitz added 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Brooklyn Miller contributed 1 bucket and 1 steal.
Lainey Klossing chipped in 1 assist.
This week, the team travels to Wethersfield on Wednesday to battle the Geese for their regular season match-up, followed by a trip to Brimfield on Thursday. January 29th, West Central returns home to face A-Town.
Mark your calendars for January 31st and February 7th, the final home games of the season.
West Central fans are the best fans and the girls love to see them fill up the gym!
Front row kneeling: Miley Stimpson, Addy Burrell, Lainey Klossing, Shelby Bowman, Brooklyn Miller, Ruby Gittings, Reegan Shafer, and Hailey Manes.
Back row standing: Payton Eisnnicher, Sam Meyer, Harlee Hainds, Addie Seitz, Grace Seitz, Kaylee Mills, and Alivia Price.
The Heat are coached by Tyler Klossing, Hallie Eisnnicher, Dan Bowman, and Darci Heap.