Lady Hornets win GRVC championship
The celebration began when the final horn sounded and the 8th grade Lady Hornets claimed the title of Green River Valley Conference champions! Hancock County defeated McLean County 34-28 in the final game of the season at HCMS Thursday. Hancock County completed the season with a record of 15-4.
This is the third 8th grade GRVC title for Hancock County Middle School.
“Early this season we went through a bit of a rough patch, but I felt like we kept working hard and never lost sight of the objective of winning the GRVC,” HCMS coach Josh Roberts said.
The Lady Hornets were focused and ready at the opening tip as they grabbed the early lead and never let go. Ansley House led a balanced offensive attack that saw six HCMS players score in the first quarter. Sophia Newby, Mallory Tuell, Jayda Meserve, Madyson Higdon and Carolina Jones joined House in leading Hancock County to a 14-7 advantage.
McLean County’s Anna Miller took control for the Cougars by pumping in nine points and out scoring the Hornets single-handedly in the second period. Meserve hit a big “3” while House and Newby helped keep HCMS ahead 21-16 at intermission.
The Hancock defense slowed down Miller in the third and Jordyn Waltrip reached the scoring column with a basket for the Hornets. The score was 27-22 heading to the fourth.
Several Hornet 7th graders play for the 8th grade due to the team being short on numbers.
“I had to conserve energy for our 7th graders (during their game) to play for the 8th grade,” Roberts said. “I love our rotation of around eight players and they really know their jobs and executed well. It was definitely a team effort to win.”
House did her thing again in the final frame, scoring twice under the basket, and Waltrip hit another field goal and added a free throw down the stretch. Miller hit a “3” from long range and McLean was 3 of 4 from the foul line, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Lady Hornets from grabbing the first place trophy from HCMS Athletic Director Chris Pate.
“Our defense was outstanding. We switched presses full and half court, keeping them off balance,” Roberts said. “I’m super proud of everyone and for their growth as players. We were the only GRVC school to have two teams fighting for a championship!”
House led the Lady Hornets’ offense with 12 points. Meserve, Newby and Waltrip all scored five each, Higdon had four, Tuell two and Jones one.
Miller finished with 19 points to lead McLean.
By Steve Wimmer
