By RICHIE HALL
SHERIDAN – The Sheridan girls basketball team proved one thing about itself Tuesday night at Larry Hobbs Hall: The Blackhawks are tough.
Sheridan led for all but a few minutes of its game with Hoosier Heartland Conference rival Clinton Central, but the Bulldogs were about to steal a win during the game’s final minutes. Instead, Kenzie Garner made 4 of 4 free throws, and the ‘Hawks made a big defensive play, all with under 20 seconds left.
The result was a 45-42 Sheridan victory. This was a significant win, as it clinches a winning record for the Blackhawks (who are now 12-8 for the season) and gives them a chance for a finish in the upper half of the conference, as Sheridan is now 4-3 in HHC play. It also came against a Bulldogs team that had 16 wins and was receiving votes in the Class 1A poll.
“They play until the very last second,” said Blackhawks coach Jaidlin Bradshaw of Clinton Central.
Sheridan led the Bulldogs 8-1 in the first quarter, with the only point a free throw that came with 4.6 seconds left in the period. Garner scored four points in the first quarter, which was a brief preview of things to come.
The ‘Hawks got ahead by as much as 17-7 in the second quarter, with Garner pouring in seven points in that period alone. Clinton Central cut the lead to 18-11 by halftime, then went on its own run in the third quarter, eventually going ahead for the first time at 22-21 after consecutive baskets by Sara Parkison.
Ashley Webel hit a 3-pointer to get Sheridan back in front, and a Garner layin finished the quarter. The Blackhawks thus led 26-22 going into the fourth period, and that lead became 30-22 after baskets by Garner and Nova Cross.
Two free throws from Garner put the ‘Hawks ahead 36-29 with 3:08 left. But CC blasted back, going on a 13-3 run to lead 42-39 with 41.9 seconds left in the fourth.
Sheridan got the ball back, and Garner was fouled, taking a hard fall to the floor. But she shook it off, and made two foul shots to get the Blackhawks back in front 43-42. Sheridan’s defense then stepped up, as the ‘Hawks got a jump ball, with the possession arrow favoring them. Garner was soon fouled again, and she made the final two free throws of the game.
“I was really proud of the girls for persevering and sticking it out, because it is super easy to just get defeated in those situations and just put your head in the sand and give up,” said Bradshaw. “But they did not. They just kept playing hard. I’m really proud of their effort for that.”
Garner dominated the game, with 29 points and 17 rebounds for a double-double. Garner actually came close to a triple-double, as she made nine steals.
“She does a great job of not only scoring it, but dishing it out when she’s open and talking to her teammates,” said Bradshaw.
Lilly Chesney collected six rebounds and Jacquellynne Bates had five. Shelby Eaton had some good minutes as well; she, Webel and Cross all scored four points. Chesney and Bates completed the scoring with two points each.
“I always tell all the kids ‘It’s a team effort,’” said Bradhsaw. “We can’t do it without them. Every day in practice, they come and they push each other and they make each other better from our seniors to our freshmen.”
Sheridan was to play at Southmont tonight, but that game has been canceled due to the incoming snowstorm. The Blackhawks will now finish their regular season with their final conference game of the year, Friday at Taylor.
SHERIDAN 45, CLINTON CENTRAL 42
Sheridan FG FT TP PF
Lilly Chesney 1-1 0-2 2 3
Ashley Webel 1-4 1-2 4 1
Kenzie Garner 9-19 10-12 29 4
Chaney Smith 0-3 0-2 0 1
Jacquellynne Bates 1-2 0-0 2 4
Nova Cross 2-3 0-2 4 3
Shelby Eaton 2-6 0-0 4 1
Totals 16-38 11-20 45 17
Score by Quarters
Clinton Central 1 10 11 20 – 42
Sheridan 8 10 8 19 – 45
Sheridan 3-point shooting (2-8) Webel 1-4, Garner 1-2, Eaton 0-1, Bates 0-1.
Sheridan rebounds (37) Garner 17, Chesney 6, Bates 5, Cross 3, Eaton 3, Smith 2, Webel 1.