BASKETBALL: Hirsch's 22 lifts Du Quoin
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The DuQuoin Indians Tip-Off Classic continued Monday evening as the host team, DuQuoin, took on Steeleville in the early game. DuQuoin's Jessica Hirsch had a hot hand scoring 22 points. Hirsch, on her own, outscored Steeleville, which could only score 20 total points. The final score was 50-20.
DuQuoin's defense was outstanding holding Steeleville to only 20 points. Steeleville had scored 46 and 47 points in their first two games of the Tip-Off. Steeleville's record in the tournament is now 1-2. DuQuoin is 2-1 overall.
At the end of the first quarter, the score was 10-10. But in the second quarter DuQuoin began to pull away from Steeleville. At half time, the score was 23-14 and the third quarter was 35-18.
In addition to Hirsch's 22 points, Steffanie Gates had 9, Curry Emling 6, Rebekah Maddox 6, Ashley Ward 2, Taylor King 2, Magen Edwards 2, and Shelby Presley 1. Hailie Stewart also saw action for the Indians.
Natalie Ruebke led Steeleville scorers with 7 points. Morgan Lindner had 6, Mackenzie Doeding 4, and Jill Winkelman 3.
In the late game, Murphysboro took on Johnston City. Murphysboro won the game 45-36. Leading scorer for Johnston City was Marissa Montgomery with 18 points. Murphysboro was led by Chelsi Gillespie with 12 and Halylie Hines with 14.
Murphysboro finished the tournament with a 4-0 record, and took the first place trophy. The 8th Annual Tip-Off is sponsored by the DuQuoin Jaycees, and they provided the trophies. DuQuoin Athletic Director, John Campbell, presented the first place trophy to Murphysboro after their win. Johnston City is 1-2 and continues play on Tuesday evening.
The schedule for Tuesday evening has been adjusted. The Steeleville (1-2) vs. Elverado (0-3) game will start at 5:30. The Johnston City (1-2) Game with DuQuoin (2-1) will start at 7:00.
DuQuoin could end up in second place with a win over Johnston City. Their only loss was to Murphysboro 41-40 in the season opener.