BASKETBALL: Lady Indians open Tip-Off with win over Elverado
The Tenth Annual Indians Tip Off Classic (sponsored by the DuQuoin Jaycees) started Tuesday evening with a win for the DuQuoin Girls Basketball Team. DuQuoin and Elverado played the first game of the evening with DuQuoin winning 48-31.
DuQuoin led throughout the game leading 6-4 at the end of the first quarter, and 19-13 at the half. DuQuoin opened up the game in the third quarter moving ahead 38-23, and finished strong at 48-31. This was the first game of the season for the Indians, who are now 1-0
The game was highlighted by the fact that Rebekah Maddox scored her 1,000th point of her career during the third quarter. Maddox finished the game with 20 points for the Indians and two blocked shots. Bailie Caldwell had 8 points and a blocked shot, Kelsey Robinson 5 points, Alexis Kohrs 4, Abby Myers 4, Taylor King 3, Alaina Caldwell 2, and Ashanti Warren 2. Also seeing action were Andrea Morgan, Katrina Whitley, Jordyn Bullar, and Morgan Dennis.
Coach Shawn File was elated at his team's performance. "The defensive effort was really good tonight. Abby Myers did a good job of pressuring the ball, and getting a couple of steals for us. We struggled initially against the zone, put up some quick shots, and then we grew more patient. The goal was to get Rebekah Maddox touches on the inside. She did a great job. Getting that 1,000th point was great!"
"Eight kids in the scorebook--that is fantastic! We are not a one or two person team. We needed a team effort. Alexis Kohrs got some good looks at the basket, and was very physical as was Kelsey Robinson. The second half we came out, and did a better job of getting the ball inside. That improved the game for us." Coach File is assisted by Jason James.
Elverado was led in scoring by Hannah Rawson with 10 points. Cheyenne Abbadusky had 5 points, Rebecca Korando 3, Corrine Wilson 3, Kelsey Leland 2, Paige Newfarmer 2, Kaitlin Lively 2, and Allecia Cross 2. Also seeing playing time were Kylee Bedar, Brooke Worthington, and Logan Hart. Elverado starts the season and tournament at 0-1.
Coach Lance Bedar commented, "not too bad a job for the first game. We had to many turnovers, and only shot 6-14 at the free throw line. I am not too disappointed; we didn't play that badly." Coach Bedar is assisted by Kara Bedar and Rasheeda Love.
DuQuoin continues play in the Tip Off on Thursday evening in the 7:00 game against Johnston City. Elverado plays the late game (8:30) with Murphysboro. Woodlawn and Steeleville are also in the tournament.