Boone, Morgan reach semis
By Chistian Zavisca Post-Tribune correspondent January 17, 2012 11:08PM
Boone Grove's Paige Aguilera tries to stop Hanover Central's Blayr Poston as she puts up a three pointer late in the fourth quarter Tuesday evening at Morgan Twp. | Jeffrey D. Nicholls~Sun-Times Media
Article Extras
Updated: February 19, 2012 8:25AM
VALPARAISO — In a battle of league frontrunners, Boone Grove outlasted Hanover Central 53-46 in the opening round of the Porter County Conference Tournament on Tuesday night at Morgan Township.
In the second game, Morgan Township dominated Washington Township 53-24, setting up a semifinal between the two winners on Friday night at the same site.
Boone Grove (14-1) trailed 16-7 late in the first quarter before climbing back and edging ahead 29-27 at the half. Stifling defense keyed an 11-1 run that put the Wolves ahead 41-32 midway through the fourth quarter as they took control.
Paige Aguilera scored the last five points of that stretch, and finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds. The 5-foot-10 senior was a constant presence on defense all over the court.
“She’s an incredible athlete,” Boone Grove coach Candy Wilson said. “She’s everywhere, and she doesn’t run out of gas.”
Emily Bobrowski also had 13 points for Boone Grove. Brittany Shaffer scored 10, eight in the second half, and Julie Hogg added seven.
Blayr Poston of Hanover Central (11-5) led all scorers with 25 points and Kristen Roper added nine. Poston scored 12 in the first quarter. The 5-foot-7 junior hit four 3-pointers.
“Blayr did a heck of a job,” Wilson said. “I don’t know how she made some of the shots she did.”
Wilson was pleased with the overall effort in a physical matchup, particularly because several of her players are dealing with the flu, she said.
“I was pleased to get out of here, period, with a win,” Wilson said.
In the second game, Morgan Township (8-9) wasted no time getting started. The hosts jumped ahead 10-0 and led by as much as 25-3 in the second quarter.
“Our defensive intensity was very good at the start,” Morgan Township coach Kevin Krieger said.
Sammy Meschede led Morgan Township with 10 points, and Trina Coleman, Courtney Osby and Hannah Murphy each added nine. Heather Burton scored seven for Washington Township (5-11).
Friday will mark the third matchup between Boone Grove and Morgan Township. The Wolves won the first two, with the most recent coming on Dec. 23 in the South County Tournament championship.
“I look forward to seeing how much we’ve improved since the holiday break,” Krieger said.
Comments Click here to view or make a comment