By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
GREEN BAY — Jaddan Simmons scored 42 points to lift Green Bay Southwest to a 68-58 non-conference victory over West De Pere in a girls’ basketball game at Southwest High School Nov. 21.
“My teammates had my back, and I think we played well as a team,” said Simmons. “When they knew I was hot, they fed me the ball. As long as we get the win, I’m happy.”
Southwest got out to an 11-4 lead to start the game behind the dribble-drive penetration of Madison McFerrin and the offensive rebounding of Jahzmeen Jackson and Mariah Rauschenbach to keep possessions alive.
The Phantoms battled back to 12-10 after junior Nevaeh Thomas hit a triple from the top of the key.
Simmons, who will be attending Arizona State University next year, took over the next five minutes.
The Trojans went on a 14-4 run to extend their lead to 26-14 with 4:43 left until half.
“Jaddan was hungry tonight,” said Southwest head coach Berri West. “The pressure is off her with her scholarship, and now she can play basketball.”
West De Pere showed its resiliency by going on a 13-1 spurt to end the half deadlocked with its up-tempo offense and fast paced possessions, sometimes lasting no more than 5 seconds.
With the score tied at 27 apiece at halftime, both teams came out fast to open the second half, resulting in four lead changes.
After Bailey Baeten knocked down a corner three-pointer, the Phantoms grabbed their last lead of the night at 41-38 with 12:08 left in the game.
Southwest then took control of the game with a defining 17-6 run to go up eight points with 4:08 remaining.
Simmons hit threes, mid-range jumpers, free throws and scored on offensive rebound put-backs to seal the game for the Trojans.
“I feel like our offensive rebounding and transition offense gave us a spark we needed midway through the second half to build the lead back up,” said West. “We let down a bit to end the first half, but then the girls trusted the process, and everybody supported each other when West De Pere made its run.”
With under a minute remaining and standing at the free-throw line, Simmons eclipsed the 40-point mark.
Box score
West De Pere: 27, 31—58
Southwest: 27, 41—68
Phantoms: Ninham 15, Thompson 14, Baeten 13, Jepson 4, Buboltz 3, Schneider 3, Thomas 3, McNabb 3
Trojans: Simmons 42, Mc Ferrin 8, Thiel 4, Thomas 4, Hill 4, La Pine 2, Jackson 2, Rauschenbach 2