First half surge powers Bears past Keota

KEOTA – Hanging onto the ball seemed to be the biggest factor in the game. 

Both Keota and English Valleys had to battle through turnovers in their Dec. 10 game. English Valleys held onto the ball longer and created a little more pressure on the Eagles in an ultimate 47-32 victory. 

Throughout the first half of the game it seemed as if the ball had been coated in the icy winter weather that would hit the area later in the week. Both teams struggled with turnovers in the opening half. Dribbles off feet and passes to invisible players were common. 

English Valleys, though, would battle through the turnovers as they started to put pressure on the Eagles early on. Many of the early Keota turnovers were caused by English Valleys full-court pressure defense which seemed to take the flight out of the Eagles wings. 

With pressure defense on full display, English Valleys would take the turnovers, and convert them into points throughout the first half. 

The Bears were able to start the game with an 8-0 run late in the first quarter. Their ability to control the pace of the game also allowed them to get access near the rim on both sides of the floor. 

With the rebounding component also in their control the Bears continued to add to their lead. 

After scoring 19 points in the opening quarter they added another 12 points in the second quarter to retire to half with 31 points. 

Keota was limited by their own turnovers and lack of rebounding as they scored 16 points in the first 16 minutes of the game. 

In the second half fouls were a problem for both teams as the pace of the game slowed to a crawl. The Bears backed off their defense, and both teams seemed to thaw out the ball for a better grip as the turnovers that plagued the first half almost disappeared entirely. 

Keota was starting to gain confidence, but their overzealous hands led to numerous fouls, allowing English Valleys to continue to increase their lead. 

By the end of the third quarter the Bears lead had grown to 20.

Although Keota was able to generate more offense in the final frame it wasn’t enough to stage a comeback as English Valleys held on for an eventual 15 point win. 

Ava Gehrking was able to lead the Bears with 18 points. She also had 12 rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Aubrey Achenbach had 15 points. She added four rebounds, an assist, two steals and a block. 

Kailor Lown and Addison Achenbach both scored six points each. Lown had two rebounds, two assists and a steal. Addison Achenbach had one rebound, two assists. Anna Luers had five rebounds, four steals, one assist and a block. 

Kaylynn Caster had two points. 

The Eagles were led by Hailey Conger and Cameron Haifley who both had eight points each. Grace Conger and Karley Greiner both had five points each. Brynn Conrad and Elyse Lyle added two points each.   

Kennedy Jackson and Ava Greiner both scored one point each. 

The Bears stand at 3-2 on the season. Keota moves to 1-5 this year.