English Valleys Girls Sneak Out of Keota with Victory

KEOTA—On January 23, the Keota Eagles hosted the English Valleys Bears for a SICL conference matchup. The Bears secured the tight victory over the Eagles by a final score of 43-40.

The Bears pushed out to a 12-7 lead after a quarter of play behind six points from senior Imigyn Stratton. 

The Eagles stormed back with eight points from freshman Emily Conger, as they cut the Bears lead down to two at 19-17.

The third quarter was the Kennedy Axmear show, as the senior center for the Bears scored eight points. The Bears etched out a 33-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Bears outlasted a comeback effort from the Eagles. The difference in the game was free throws. The Bears made theirs, and the Eagle were unable to. English Valleys finished the night 13/18 from the charity stripe, while the Eagles shot 6/15. In the fourth quarter, the Bears went 3/4, while the Eagles shot 4/10. 

English Valleys senior Kennedy Axmear led all scorers with 18 points. She also added eight rebounds, two blocks and an assist. Fellow senior Imigny Stratton tallied 10 points, eight rebounds, three steals and a block. 

After the game, Imigyn spoke on the night with, “These past few games, I have told myself I am going to play my heart out. I am going to do what I am good at, so that is what I have been doing.”

The Bears have finally returned to action after a hiatus due to weather cancellations. Stratton explained how she remained focused during this time with, “I have a routine before each game, and I get into a mindset before the game. I do this for everything.”

The Bears have a big matchup on the horizon at home against the Sigourney Savages. The winner will essentially control their own destiny in route to finishing at the top of the SICL-East. Stratton spoke of her mentality heading towards that game as, “I am just going to play my heart out. I am going to try my best for the team and for myself. I am going to hustle.”

English Valleys Head Coach described Stratton as, “a great athlete.” He went on to elaborate with, “ She is great in volleyball and softball as well. She is just really good at everything she does.”

The Bears push to 9-7 with a conference record of 7-4.They will return to action on January 26, when they host the Sigourney Savages. 

The Eagles fall to 3-11 on the season with a conference record of 3-8. They will return to action on January 28, when they host the Hillcrest Academy Ravens.