The Branson Lady Pirates needed a win last night to keep their hopes of a COC Championship alive. In order to do that they would have to beat Republic on their own floor. Even though Branson had already beaten them once this season, that is a task that is easier said than done. Add into the mix that Amanda Kearney was eleven points short of the magical 2000 point mark and it had the makings of an incredible night.
The game was incredibly physical. MOST of the night the officials let them play. The score remained tight throughout. Republic led 16-15 at the end of one. But, it was Branson that held a one point lead at the half. The two teams only managed seven points apiece in the third quarter setting up a final eight minutes to decide it.
Republic would score the first four points of the final frame to take a 39-36 lead. But from there the Lady Pirates would take over. Branson went on a 13-0 run to put the game away, hitting their free throws down the stretch and claiming the 53-45 win and moving to 18-4 on the season.
Kearney did not leave much doubt, as to whether or not she would get the mark. She came out firing from long distance. She hit FOUR first half three’s, the last of which put her over the 2000 point mark. This is what my call sounded like as the historic moment took place.. Kearney2000 (click on link to hear the call)
She becomes the first Branson player to ever score 2000 points for her career. She already holds the school record for points in a game, season, and career. She has committed to Harding University and will start attending there this fall.
Kearney led all scorers with 20. Lauren Garrison and Tara Utz-Depriest also broke double figures in scoring with 12 and 13. Taylor Fergen led Republic with 12. The win gets Branson back to 2-2 in the conference slate.
A few thoughts from last night….
1. Great crowd. Wonderful atmosphere for girls basketball.
2. I have no trouble with “letting them play” but it tended to go a little far at times last night.
3. Karis Goodwin only scored two points but thought she played some really good minutes with Jaeger in foul trouble.
4. Two different styles, but two teams that know how to play defense.
5. Happy to see Amanda get this mark, she is an incredible young lady.
6. Im sure Amanda would like to have got #2000 at home, but if she was going to hit it on the road, hard to think of a better place for it to happen.
7. Coach Kip Bough continues to do an amazing job. Dude has flat out built a program.
8. Thought the Lady Pirates showed great poise and did a nice job of sticking to the plan in a tough place to play.
