Lady Devils pass tough ICC test
Emilie Leidig blends into a packed student section during Friday’s win over Juniata Valley in front of a capacity crowd.
Bellwood-Antis senior forward Jaydyn Shuke battled for a tough offensive rebound, drew a foul, and hit two clutch free-throws, all within the last 10 seconds of Friday’s game, to secure a 62-58 victory over ICC rival Juniata Valley.
“I knew that I had to pull through for my team and make both of my free throws. I cleared my head, and did what i needed to do.” Said Jaydyn.
At the Beginning of the fourth quarter B-A went ahead by eight when Shuke made a 3-pointer and Alli Campbell hit a free throw, but the Lady Hornets battled back, and pushed the game into the final seconds.
Campbell, a Notre Dame commit, did what she normally does, leading all scorers by pouring in 29 points, and grabbing 14 rebounds.
“The win means so much and it proves how hard we’ve been working these past few months,” said Campbell. “I really respect them. They are a good team for a reason, and they’re well-coached.”
Sakeria Haralson also added 15 points and 13 rebounds, despite fouling out with 1:15 seconds left to play.
Juniata Valley senior guard and Quinnipiac commit Halee Smith had 21 points and 9 boards, and helped the Lady Hornets control the score and pace for most of the first half.
It isn’t hard to understand why Bellwood-Antis vs. Juniata Valley is one of the premier ladies basketball games in the entire state, let alone District 6.
The two teams faced off three times last year, as the teams split the regular season conference match-ups, and then The Lady Blue Devils pulling out a victory against the Lady Hornets in the PIAA District 6 championship game last year. Before the jayvee game Friday, Bellwood-Antis officials were forced to cut admittance to the gym after ticket were sold out.
“Honestly, what separates us is the team that makes a few more plays and gets those 50-50 balls,” said Campbell. “You can always count on a very competitive game between us.”
Two of the top teams in the state have the chance to right the ship from last year, with a possibility of four marquee match-ups on the horizon, and both teams determined to dominate what has turned into quite the ICC rivalry. The teams next face on January 30 in Alexandria.
The Lady Blue Devils will head into Wednesday with a couple days of rest, as they face off with non-conference opponent United at home.
