By BRAD BAUGHMAN, for The Democrat
When the Bloomington South girls basketball team had to back out of its scheduled game with Brown County due to COVID concerns within its program, the Eagles found a replacement in the Hauser Jets.
A 63-33 thrashing by the Eagles, that saw them lead from start to finish, might have had the Jets rethinking their decision to make the mid-week trip to Nashville.
“I am incredibly proud of our performance against Hauser,” said Brown County Head Coach Emily Lewellen. “As our first game back from winter break, we were concerned about the conditioning of our players, but they did not disappoint,” she added.
Lewellen attributed her team’s energy and endurance to the work they put in over the break. “We did have many open gyms, and I was happy with our turnout as it showed the dedication and determination of these girls to continue improving,” Lewellen said.
Abby Fleetwood put the Eagles on the board with a three-pointer just 20 seconds into the game, but it was Anna Fleetwood who set the tone for the night, scoring nine points in the quarter to enable the Eagles to take a 16-9 lead after one quarter.
Brown County continued its offensive prowess, scoring 20 points in the second quarter. This time it was sophomore forward Abigail Watson who had the hot hand, scoring eight points, including four in the last minute of the half.
“Watson has the ability to work down low, while also shooting in the mid range,” said Lewellen about her sophomore post player. “It is very important to get scoring from our post players. This entire season we have been working toward building the confidence of our post players,” she added.
The Eagles led 36-17 at the half, and two-thirds of those 36 points came on 12 assists from a team that was readily sharing the ball. “The girls worked together seamlessly, seeing each other on the court and playing unselfishly. I was impressed with their ball movement and communication,” Lewellen said.
She had to have been impressed with the energy her team displayed as well. The Eagles were definitely the more aggressive team, beating the Jets to rebounds and loose balls.
“Typically, we are shorter and smaller than other teams, so using our speed and agility to get underneath the basket to get rebounds is incredibly important,” Lewellen said. She added, “We have to be the more aggressive team and get after every loose ball opportunity.”
Sophomore Savannah Oden, the Eagles’ other post starter, led the team with 12 rebounds, nine of those coming at the offensive end. Anna Fleetwood led all scorers with 21 and snared 11 rebounds.
“I am very proud of Anna Fleeetwood’s hard work last night. She played exceptional defense as well as offense. She is an instrumental player on our team, and last night proved how significant of a presence she is on both halves of the court,” Lewellen said.
Abby Fleetwood contributed 14 points, well below her average, but picked up seven assists and six steals. Watson finished with 10 points to put three Eagles in double figures. Kyleigh Parrot posted 12 points to lead the Jets.
In a Friday night contest with WIC foe Edgewood, the Eagles took the Mustangs to the wire, but lost 49-47 when Carly Sherfield scored with just under nine seconds remaining. Abby Fleetwood was able to get a three-point attempt off for the Eagles just ahead of the buzzer, but the shot was no good.
“The Lady Eagles played unbelievably hard. It was a battle from the beginning, which we anticipated. While it didn’t fall in our favor, we saw how determined our girls are to fight to the end and never quit until the final buzzer,” Lewellen said about her team’s gritty performance.
Abby Fleetwood’s 21 points led all scorers, while Anna Fleetwood posted 11 points. Oden led the Eagles again in rebounding, grabbing nine.
Due to COVID concerns with the Indian Creek girls basketball team, the Saturday night game was canceled.
Following that determination, Brown County has also had to make some adjustments in its schedule because of COVID issues.
The Eagles have had to cancel games on Jan. 12, Jan. 15, Jan. 16 and Jan. 19. The next scheduled game is Wednesday, Jan. 20 at Indian Creek.
