Mississippi Valley Conference: Mid season update

As a follow up to our preseason predictions for each conference I will give a mid season update report. Next we will cover the Mississippi Valley Conference. At the beginning of the season we predicted that although Highland and Jerseyville could give a challenge, CM would win the conference again. Since that time CM has unfortunately lost another starter to a knee injury. Sophomore guard <strong>Hannah Sontag</strong> went down with an injury that required surgery and will hold her out tor the season. There is still hope that <strong>Tori Standefer</strong> will return. Tori started as a freshman but has missed all of the season so far due to an ACL injury suffered in summer basketball. The following is an update on the standings: Civic Memorial  5-0     17-4 overall Highland          4-1      16-4 overall Jerseyville       3-2     13-6 overall Triad                2-3     9-8 overall Mascoutah      1-4    4-13 overall Waterloo         0-5    4-12 overall &nbsp; For CM their junior forward <strong>Anna Hall </strong>has been the dominant player in the conference. She is averaging over 17 points per game along with 9 rebounds. Anna is very difficult to stop in the post because of her strength in getting position. She has improved her ability to drive the lane in her face up game. As she continues to improve her outside shot she will force you to pick your poison. For now she makes a living in the lane and nobody has had an answer for her. Jerseyville sophomore <strong>Clare Breden </strong>has continued the pace she set as a freshman. Clare is averaging 17.8 points per game. She has hit 2 shots per game from behind the 3 point line and is showing extended range. Clare is very quick with the ball and has improved her ability to finish in the lane with a variety of shots. She can hit the runner and finish with either hand. If you make the mistake of fouling her she is converting 75% of her free throws so she will hurt you no matter what. Despite a rough season so far Waterloo had a pleasant surprise in transfer Aubrey Hubbard. The junior guard has led them in scoring at 11 points per game. She is a sniper from behind the arc and cannot be left alone. She has made 49 shots from behind the line and is shooting 43% on those shots. With some work on her ability to drive the ball Aubrey could be a big scorer next year. There are a few games left that will decide the order at the top of the conference. Those are as follows: CM at Highland 1/10 Jerseyville at Highland 1/31 Jerseyville at CM 2/7 It would appear with a win at home against Highland that CM is in a good position. If they can win on the road this week against Highland they would put themselves in a commanding lead. Highland is a very talented team that can get points from many different players. It should be a good game.