CLINTON —
The Clinton River Queens showed a lot of “heart and pride” in their 58-30 loss to Pleasant Valley on Thursday, according to Clinton coach Mike Halac.
The first quarter started off with the Queens taking an early lead and playing both solid offense and defense, with minimal fouling. But multiple turnovers and traveling violations plagued this young team, and Pleasant Valley used that to capitalize.
“They played hard,” Halac said. “Jordan Nelson showed herself to be a capable ball handler, and gave up few turnovers.”
But even with Nelson’s steady hands and Erin Wenzels’ eight points, the Queens were still down after the first quarter.
The Spartans came into the second quarter leading by 10, but the Queens kept pushing hard and only allowed six points in the whole quarter. But for a young hard-pressed team, fouls and turnovers began to take their toll. Clinton only scored six second-quarter points, as well.
“They play a very physical and aggressive game,” said Halac, “and these girls don’t ever give up.”
Despite their never-say-die attitude, the River Queens were in for a rough second half. Clinton turned the ball over 31 times.
In the third quarter the Spartans added 18 points to their score, while the Queens could only post eight. Pleasant Valley was boosted by its nailing three 3-pointers to none for Clinton. Lexi Spelhaug, Sydney Dwyer and Holly Hoelting knocked down the long-range shots for the Spartans.
In the last quarter the Queens were still playing their hardest, and putting forth all they could but it wasn’t enough, as the Spartans continued to show their dominance in all aspects. With another 17 points added to their score, the Spartans beat the Queens by 28.
Wenzel posted 18 points and coupled with her 17 rebounds, gave a standout performance for the River Queens. Wenzel made eight of Clinton’s 10 field goals and shot 50 percent from the field. Senior Libby Mumm made the other two, adding six points and eight rebounds.
Dwyer led Pleasant Valley with 16 points.
“Each day is about playing hard and taking pride in how you play; everyone gives everything,” Halac said.
He promised that his team will continue to work hard and to give their all each every day.
“Not one of these girls ever gives up,” Halac said. “They are a young team but we have great leaders in Wenzel and Nelson. We will practice on everything — fundamentals, teamwork, and weights. We will get better.”
PLEASANT VALLEY 58, CLINTON 30
PLEASANT VALLEY (1-1, 1-0) — Katelyn Tuttle 2 0-2 4, Lexi Spelhaug 3 1-1 8, Sydney Dwyer 7 1-1 16, Holly Hoelting 1 4-4 7, Chloe Miller 5 0-2 10, Ali Young 1 0-0 2, Maddie Reynolds 0 2-2 2, Jenae Bishop 1 0-0 2, Nicole Veshaw 1 0-0 2, Abby Elceser 1 1-2 3, Erin Moser 1 0-0 2. Totals 23 9-14 58.
CLINTON (1-3, 0-1) — Erin Wenzel 8 2-3 18, Elle Tubbs 0 1-2 1, Jordan Nelson 0 2-2 2, McKenzie Petersen 0 3-6 3, Libby Mumm 2 2-2 6, Hannah Burken 0 0-1 0, Shannon Shovlain 0 0-0 0, Gracie Buech 0 0-0 0, Emma Gettes 0 0-0 0, Allysa Butt 0 0-0 0. Totals 10 10-16 30.
Pleasant Valley 17 6 18 17 — 58
Clinton 7 6 5 12 — 30
3-point goals — Pleasant Valley 3 (Spelhaug, Dwyer, Hoelting). Total fouls — Pleasant Valley 16; Clinton 13. Fouled out — none.
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Related Photos
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Clinton senior Libby Mumm puts up a shot while surrounded by Pleasant Valley defenders in the second quarter of Clinton’s 58-30 loss Thursday night. Mumm was second on the team with six points and eight rebounds. Kurt Ritzman/Clinton Herald
Discussion
November 30, 2012
River Queens show ‘heart, pride’ in loss
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