Lady Bluejays Win In The Tiger Den

The Tiger Den was rocking Tuesday night as the Lady Tigers played host to one of the premiere 2A teams in the state, the North Judson Lady Bluejays. The Lady Tigers proved they are making major strides under second year Head Coach Chris McGowen, while the Lady Jays proved that the tutelage of their 5th year Head Coach, Chris Newbauer, is getting the job done for yet another year.

LaCrosse did everything they needed to do in the first quarter to keep up with the Starke County power, as the quarter ended with the Lady Jays leading by just two points 10-8. The second quarter, however, would be a different story. The Lady Jays began to turn the pressure up on both ends of the floor on their way to outscoring the Lady Tigers 17-7 to take a 27-15 halftime lead. It was of little surprise to anyone in attendance that the Lady Jays were led in scoring by Lilly Frasure at the half, as she scored 12 of the team’s 27 points in the first two quarters. What was most impressive with the Lady Jays would be their overall team defense, as the Jays had 11 first half steals as a team, utilizing a full court trapping defense that proved to be a thorn in the side of the Lady Tigers throughout the entire game. Abby Chambers would help carry the first half scoring load for the Jays, as she scored all 8 of her points in the first two quarters.

The Lady Tigers had a great showing in the scoring column by 5’9 Sophomore Jersie Bartels, who came into the game averaging 7.4ppg. The hard-nosed Bartels would eclipse her scoring average by three points, as she led her team with 10 at the intermission on her way to a team high 12 for the game. LaCrosse was also able to hold a slight advantage in the rebounding category, as they out rebounded the ‘Jays 13-11. It was the forced turnovers by the Lady Bluejays that would be the undoing for LaCrosse, as North Judson would end the first half with 11 steals as a team, on their way to 19 for the game. Frasure would once again stand out in this category for North Judson, leading her team with six in the ballgame. Freshman Olivia Burkette would have a great effort defensively as well for the ladies in blue and gold, as she added five steals of her own. At the half, North Judson would hold a 27-15 lead, and had left everyone in the Tiger Den with the feeling that they were feeling like enough was enough. Oh, how the Bluejays would soar in the second half!

Once again, the Lady Jays would rely on intense defense in the second half to provide them with scoring opportunities. The Jays would add another eight steals in the final two quarters, as their trapping defense left little opportunity for the Tigers to successfully move the ball. Somehow, Frasure was able to take her scoring to another level, as the Division I recruit would explode for 19 of her team’s 31 points in the final two quarters, leaving her with a game-high 31 points. The incredibly versatile Junior kept her composure from start to finish, while making sure her teammates stayed involved throughout the game. The Lady Jays would not be denied their sixth win of the year, outscoring LaCrosse 31-18 in the second half on their way to the 58-33 final score. One of the biggest bright spots for the Lady Tigers in the second half would be the aggressiveness of Senior Madi Heavlin who, after going scoreless in the first half, would score all 7 of her points in the second half, including a smooth three-pointer, that would rip through the net during a point where LaCrosse seemed to have one last burst in them.

The Lady Jays improve to 6-2 on the year, while the Lady Tigers drop to 3-7. North Judson will be back in action on Thursday when they travel to Caston. LaCrosse will be at home once again on Thursday, when they play host to Hebron.

Scoring Statistics:

North Judson (58): Lilly Frasure-31, Abby Chambers-8, Olivia Burkette-7, Adriana Burger-3, Jordynn Dusek-2, Megan Krzyzanowski-2, Morgan Hensley-2, Kennedy Baxter-2, Adalynn Harper-1

LaCrosse (33): Jersie Bartels-12, Mya Morrow-7, Madi Heavilin-7, Morgan Wozniak-3, Kaylee Welkie-2, Sami Vance-2

*Statistics Provided By Kankakee Valley Broadcasting Staff. These Are Not Official Game Statistics*