Lajaya Angel drives to the basket against Annawan defender Zoey Vance. Photos by Marlie Lindstrom of the Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program

A battle of two LTC girls basketball heavyweights took place Wednesday night in Annawan. The Bravettes won the early season showdown over the Wethersfield Lady Geese, 46-37. 

Annawan moves to 6-1 (1-0) on the season and Wethersfield is now 3-2 (0-1). 

The Bravettes jumped out to an 11-4 lead after scoring on back-to-back possessions. Elaina Manuel made a three-pointer and Zoey Vance hit a basket in the paint for Annawan. 

Kennady Anderson scored six points in the quarter for the Lady Geese, including on an out of bounds play at the end of first quarter to bring Wethersfield within six points at 14-8. 

The Lady Geese pulled within two points at 20-18 after Lajaya Angel drove in for a basket, but the trio of Vance, Clara Bella VanOpdorp and Kaylee Celus responded by scoring six unanswered points to close out the half at 26-18.

Annawan maintained a 37-27 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Anderson and Kendall Vincent both made inside buckets to pull the Lady Geese within six at 37-31, but baskets by VanOpdorp and Vance put the game out of reach 43-31. 

The Bravettes started spreading the floor on offense with four minutes left to play and Annawan held on for the 46-37 win. 

Kennady Anderson goes up for a shot. Defending is Paige Sierens (5)

VanOpdorp led all scorers with 16 points. Vance contributed 13, Celus had eight and Manuel added six.

Anderson led Wethersfield with 15 points and Lana Scott had seven. 

The Wethersfield frosh-soph team had a big 65-18 win over Annawan. Five players for the Lady Geese scored in double figures. 

Lana Scott led all scorers with 17 points, Emilia Escareno had 14, Camryn Anderson and Ashley Oliver each scored 11 and Megan Oliver added 10. Katelyn Carmen chipped in with two.