By Murray Gleffe, Correspondent
ASHWAUBENON-Emma Nagel put home a rebound basket with 24 seconds left to propel the Bay Port Pirates over the Ashwaubenon Jaguars by a final of 48-44 in girls’ basketball action. (Dec. 21)
McKenzie Johnson led the Pirates with 26 points.
Autumn Schlader was the only other double-digit scorer on the evening. She paved the way for the Jaguars with 14.
The Jaguars and Pirates combined for 47 turnovers.
The Jaguars got off to a flying start on their home floor behind a trio of players.
Schlader connected on a three to open the game, Hayden Kupsh added a lay-up, and Megan Servais completed the 7-0 run on a put back basket.
Mady Draak opened the scoring for the Pirates by using her frame to power home two baskets before heading to the bench with early foul trouble.
With the Jaguars leading 11-5, the Pirates cranked up the full court pressure on the Jaguars and the result was a multitude of turnovers. In turn, the Pirates used that as a catalyst to fuel a 10-3 run midway through the first half.
The Pirates Johnson came off screens and connected on three straight triples from everywhere on the court to keep the contest within a one possession game the rest of the half.
Just before intermission, Peyton Coughlin banked home a 26-footer to give the Pirates a 25-24 lead heading into the locker room.
Coach Coleman’s Pirate squad got out of the gates quickly in half number two with, you got it, McKenzie Johnson nailing two long jumpers to put the road team up 30-26 with 14:35 left in the game.
The Jaguars weren’t about to throw in the towel, however, in this rivalry game.
Coach Nicky VanLaanen called a time-out and the Jaguars came out and went on a 12-2 run.
Jaguar “6th man” Kally VanLaanen came off the bench and hit two big three pointers to lead the surge.
In addition, Servais corralled four big offensive rebounds and put backs to put the Jaguars back in front 38-32 with 7:13 left.
“We played tough in the paint when we were smart with the basketball,” said Nicky VanLaanen, Jaguar Basketball Coach. “We only attempted four free throws for the entire night.”
The Pirates, however, clawed back behind the stellar play of Johnson and Nagel to take a late 43-42 lead after Alaina Abel’s basket found nothing but net with 1:28 left in the game.
The Jaguars turned the ball over on their next possession, but the Pirates returned the favor when they got caught in a trap and gave it back.
The Jaguars called a time-out and set up a play for Schlader. She received the ball at the top of the key, made a cross-over move with a dribble, and took the ball hard to the rack. The result was a lay-up and one-point lead (44-43) for the Jaguars with 46 seconds left.
The Pirates wouldn’t be denied, though, on this evening.
After setting up their half-court offense, the Pirates got a look from 12 feet out that didn’t drop. The ensuing miss was corralled by none other than Emma Nagel who put home the game winner with 24 seconds left.
Johnson added three late free throws to provide the final margin of the game.
“Our kids played hard,” added VanLaanen. “However, you can’t beat somebody turning the ball over 27 times against a good team.”
The Pirates move to 7-2 (4-2 FRCC) on the year, and the Jaguars fall to 5-5 (4-3 FRCC).
Notes:
-Christopher Essex sang the National Anthem. He is a student from Carnegie-Mellon School of Music
-Prior to tip-off, the Jaguar basketball team presented Pirate basketball player Grace Van Egeren with a bouquet of flowers. Van Egeren is out for the year with an injury.
Bay Port/Ashwaubenon Box Score
Bay Port 25,23, -48
Ashwaubenon 24,20, -44
Pirate Totals: FG’s 14-45, 3 PT FG’s 6-12, FT’s 14-22, Rebounds 25, Assists 7, Steals 8, Blocks 1, Turnovers 20, Personal Fouls 15
Johnson 26, Nagel 8, Draak 4, Merxauerova 3, Coughlin 3, Abel 2, McIntyre 2
Jaguar Totals: FG’s 18-45, 3 PT FG’s 6-21, FT’s 2-4, Rebounds 22, Assists 9, Steals 9, Blocks 3, Turnovers 27, Personal Fouls 17
Schlader 14, Servais 9, Kupsh 8, VanLaanen 7, Koch 6
