TC Pulls it Out!

The game of basketball can be so simple, but oh so complex at the same time.  After coming off a huge win over Glenbard South on Tuesday, the Lady Trojans traveled to Ridgewood to play the Rebels.  Timothy knew that a good start would go a long way in setting the tone for the game, but that thought was to no avail.

Timothy struggled to score three points in the first quarter, mainly due to the fact of missed shots and turnovers.  Fortunately, Ridgewood only scored two points in the first quarter.  The second quarter saw a little better offense with both teams scoring 16 and 14 respectively.   The Lady Trojans took a three point lead into the half.

Ridgewood come out on fire and very focused as they built a double digit lead before settling for a nine point lead heading into the fourth quarter.  With Timothy still trying to find themselves in the game, the Rebels continued to play well early in the fourth and once again built a double digit lead.  About half way through the fourth, the girls stepped up their energy level and intensity and slowly began to chip away at the lead.

The final two minutes of the game was a gut check for the team.  Still down by eight points, it was now or never.  The team rallied around themselves and fought very hard to overcome the deficit.  Down four with just over a minute to go, Kaylie Pries made a lay-up to cut the deficit to two.  After a turnover by Ridgewood, Kaylie was fouled and she calmly sank two free throws to tie the game.  After another Ridgewood turnover (illegal screen), Kaylie was once again fouled.  Just like before, she sank both free throws to give the Lady Trojans a two point lead with 18 seconds left.  Somehow, Ridgewood's point guard was able to get through everyone and made a lay-up with 7 seconds left.  Kelli LeGrand quickly took the inbounds pass and dribbled ahead.  She found Sara Hodges open on the other side of the floor with a cross court pass.  Sara grabbed the pass and quickly attacked the basket.  Sara was fouled as she attempted to score a lay-up.

With 1.7 seconds left, Ridgewood called a timeout to ice Sara.  Sara was ready for this moment and she stepped to the line.  The first one went up and right through the net for a swish.  The second one was pretty much the same.  Ridgewood was unable to get a shot off and the game was over.  Timothy had pulled out a squeaker!

Sara Hodges led the way with 13 points (2FT's for the game winners), 7 steals, Kaylie Pries had 12 points (4/4 FT's) 3 assists, 3 steals, Brittany Scheidt had 11pts, 6 reb, Kelli LeGrand 7pts, 6 assists, 4 steals and Stephanie Kuiper contributed 6 reb, 3 blocks and 2 assists.