Civic Memorial vs Belleville East: 5 key takeaways

Civic Memorial took on Belleville East in the final day of the Southern Illinois Shootout series. This was an intense game with both sides applying pressure for most of the game. In addition, when possible, both teams were looking to get out and run. These elements made it fun to watch. CM won 61-54 and was aided by a 14/18 effort from the free throw line in the 4th quarter. <ul> <li><strong>Kourtland Tyus </strong>a 5'6 Junior did what you need your veteran point guard to do. She was a calming influence in the second half for her team. Kourtland made a big 3 in the 3rd quarter and then really stepped up in the 4th. In the last period she made a layup and was 6/6 from the line down the stretch.  Her 11 points all came in the second half when her team needed her most. Her role will be critical if the Lady Eagles plan to make a run come February.</li> <li><strong>Bryce Dowell </strong>a 5'7 Senior can score in bunches. She has a very quick release so it makes her hard to guard. Bryce is very fast and handles the ball well so she can get her shot, especially in the open floor. CM was able to 'hold" Bryce to 14 points which is under her season average of almost 22. Her team needs her to score and Bryce is coming through!</li> <li><strong>Anna Hall </strong>is a 5'11 Junior for Civic Memorial and is a force in the lane. Belleville East played a zone that made it hard to get the ball inside. Once CM was able to find Anna she does an excellent job of either scoring or getting fouled. Anna finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds. She took some time to find out where the openings were in the zone to get the ball, which is what Belleville East wanted. Anna is so strong that she will get the position she wants in the lane.</li> <li><strong>B'Aunce Carter </strong>had a huge second half. She had 17 of her 19 points in the second half. B'Aunce was able to find open spots in the CM defense and her team was able to get her the ball. She is very athletic and excels finishing on the move. <strong>Nyah Ford</strong> was also a big part of the game for Belleville East. Nyah has taken over the point guard role this year and has done a great job. She is fast and tough to keep out of the lane. Once she is there Nyah is willing and able to score or pass depending on what the defense gives her.</li> <li>The best player on the floor Saturday might have been <strong>Hannah Sontag </strong>a 5'9 Sophomore for CM. Hannah hit two key 3 pointers in the 4th quarter and played a big part in holding Dowell below her average. On the defensive end Hannah came up with 4 steals. This might have been her best game as a varsity player. Hannah has a bright future and this won't be the last time we see this from her.</li> </ul> This was the second game that I saw Saturday in which a Mississippi Valley team showed well. It is fun to see good teams match up in the early season events. For both teams the opportunity to measure their squad against quality competition will no doubt pay dividends come tournament time. <em>Photo Courtesy of the Advantage News</em>