BASKETBALL: Lady Indians squeak by Z-R-C
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[It wasn't pretty, but it was a win! DuQuoin High School managed to beat Zeigler-Royalton-Christopher in girls basketball on Monday evening. The final score was 54-52. The game was played at Zeigler-Royalton High School.
DuQuoin dominated the first quarter leading 21-9. DuQuoin was outscored by Z-R-C in the second quarter 14 to 8. At half-time DuQuoin led 29-23. Z-R-C turned up the pressure and led at the end of the third quarter 42-41.
With thirty seconds left in the game the scored was tied at 52 all. DuQuoin's final basket was a pretty pass from Cassidy Rice to Rebekah Maddox, who put down the basket to score. With eight seconds left, Z-R-C had a long final shot that came very close, but missed the hoop. DuQuoin's record is now 7-3 overall and 1-2 in the conference.
Jessica Hirsch was the leading scorer for DuQuoin with 26 points. Rebekah Maddox followed with 12, Ashley Ward chipped in 8, Curry Emling 3, Steffanie Gates 3, and Taylor King 2. Cassidy Rice and Shelby Presley also saw action for the Indians. Z-R-C's Mifflin led her team with 20 points.
Coach Shawn File commented: "We jumped out to a great start and a big lead. We tried to change up our defenses, and then Z-R-C became more patient. We need to take care of the ball better and rebound better. Z-R-C made it close in the second and third quarters. We have to get better. When we are patient, and run our offense, it works. We have to be ready for the Holiday Tournament at Herrin next week."
The Junior Varsity Indians also pulled out a win by a score of 29-23. DuQuoin led until the three minute mark of the fourth quarter. The score was tied at 23 each. DuQuoin scored the final six points to win.
Taylor King led DuQuoin with 12 points, Abby Myers and Shelby Presley had six each, Cassidy Rice 3, and Bailie Caldwell 2. Hailey Stewart, Katrina Whitley, and Morgan Dennis also played in the game. The JV are 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the conference. Jason James is the JV coach.
DuQuoin travels to the Herrin Holiday Hoops Tournament next week. On Monday, December 27, DuQuoin plays Cobden at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 28, has DuQuoin playing Pinckneyville at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, DuQuoin takes on the host, Herrin, at 7:15 p.m. On Thursday, December 30, DuQuoin plays twice--Vienna at 11:45 a.m. and Murphysboro at 6:30 p.m.