by Derek White
The Colby Lady Eagle basketball team went into Norton on fire, sitting undefeated in conference play assuming an easy win against a Lady Bluejay team that hasn’t been very successful this season. The Bluejays however, showed up ready to battle and almost pulled off the upset, but the Eagles made halftime adjustments that changed the game leading to their 31-38 victory.
The game started off extremely close with each team trading baskets in the first quarter ending 9-10. Leaders from both teams were keeping their team in the game putting up 7 points each. Bluejay senior Hallie Brooks went off under the baskets hitting three tough field goals and earning two trips to the free-throw line.
For the Eagles it was senior Alisabeth Barton with the tough scores underneath, hitting two inside shots and three free-throws in the quarter. The eagles then started off the second quarter missing several shots, looking to be out of sorts. They hit some shots midway through the period, but then Brooks took over the game scoring five straight points before running into foul trouble.
The Eagles struggled to score in the second leading to a 20-15 deficit going into halftime. Brooks continued to score into the late minutes of the game, but earned her second foul and had to play cautious to end the half.
To start the third quarter, the Eagles came out soaring to an 2-8 run before the Bluejays could earn a basket. Then they held off the Eagles until the final minutes of the quarter before making two critical mistakes. Leading 26-25 the Eagle defense forced a Bluejay turnover, and on the ensuing drive Brooks committed her third foul sending Barton to the line for two shots. Making both shots, the Eagles went into the fourth quarter 26-27.
Again, in the final quarter the Eagles took off on a 2-9 run essentially sealing the game for Colby. The Bluejays battled hard, but the Eagles put together two great runs in the second half that changed the game giving them the win, 31-38.
Barton led the Eagles with 18 points, followed by Logan Nolan and Sadie Cheney with 6 points each, Shaly Holzmeister had 5, and Brenn Stanley finished with 3. Next up for the Eagles will be a home game against Holcomb on Feb. 7.
The Bluejays were led by Brooks with 14 points, Kcanna Keiswetter with 9, Leah Clark and Kassidy McClain with 4 points each. Next for the Bluejays will a home game against Plainville on Feb. 7.
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