The REPORTER
The Sheridan girls basketball team’s memorable season came to an end at the Class 2A south semi-state at Shelbyville last Saturday, but not before the Blackhawks left one last parting shot.
Sheridan took No. 2-ranked Eastern Hancock to the wire before falling in overtime 62-54. The Royals led the Blackhawks 10-9 after one quarter and extended that lead to 24-20 by halftime. Kenzie Garner kept Sheridan in the game with 11 first-half points.
Eastern Hancock held a 39-34 advantage after three quarters. Garner scored another nine points in the third. The fourth quarter was close, and the Royals led 52-51 with under 30 seconds to go.
Garner stepped up, making a steal and a layin to put Sheridan ahead 53-52 at the 23-second mark. Brielle Garner made a free throw to increase the Blackhawks’ lead to 54-52. But Eastern Hancock’s Kenzie Cook took the ball to the basket and made a layin to tie the game at 54-54. The Royals then outscored Sheridan 8-0 in the overtime period.
Kenzie Garner finished the game with 32 points, six rebounds, five steals and four blocked shots. Brielle Garner added seven points and five rebounds. Cecilia Timme scored seven points while Sadie Timme scored six and collected five rebounds (four offensive). Nova Cross had two points.
Cecilia Timme had seven points for the Blackhawks. (Allison Waitt)
Coach Jaidlin Bradshaw discussed the season after the game; the Blackhawks dropped their first two contests before blasting off on an 11-game win streak.
“Our first few games were very difficult,” said Bradshaw. “We start our season incredibly tough. I think we were maybe all a little more discouraged than we would have cared to admit. I knew they had it, but they didn’t know they had it. And so it took a while for them to figure that out. And when they did, it’s been a lot of fun since.”
Sheridan finished its season with a 20-6 record, in addition to its first-ever regional championship.
“The Hawks would like to thank our amazing cheerblock and fans for traveling with us the last few weeks,” said Bradshaw. “We would also like to thank our school and community for all of the support over this long season. Last and certainly not least the Hawks would like to thank senior Kennedy Zachary for her contributions to our program throughout the last four years.”