The Annawan Bravettes ventured outside the Lincoln Trail Conference for their last two games. On Thursday, they defeated Bureau Valley, 55-33, and Saturday took on a tough Alleman team and lost, 49-37.
Bureau Valley
The Bravettes took a 16-8 first quarter lead over the Storm and built a 32-15 lead at the break. Annawan center Kaylee Celus fired in 13 first half points and Olivia Goodley and Zoey Vance each added eight.
Annawan held firm and led 44-23 at the end of the third quarter. Celus added six more points in the second half and Clara Bella VanOpdorp added six.
Taylor Neuhalfen scored 10 of her 12 points in the second half for the Storm. Kate Stoller added nine points in the contest.
Celus led all scorers with 19 points. Vance chipped in with 13 and Goodley added 10 in support.
With the win, Annawan moves to 10-2 on the season and Bureau Valley is 7-5 overall.
Alleman
Before the basketball season started, Bravettes Coach Jason Burkiewicz tabbed Alleman as one of his team’s toughest opponents on the schedule. His prediction proved valid as the Pioneers won and held Annawan’s typically potent offense to just 37 points.
Having said that, it’s worth noting that Alleman is a member of the Western Big 6 conference and currently boasts a 12-2 record. Their two losses are to an 11-1 United Township club and Quincy (9-3).
Not deterred, Annawan went toe to toe with Alleman in the first half. The Bravettes led 12-9 after the first quarter, but started to slip a bit in the second quarter and trailed 23-20 at the half.
Clara Bella VanOpdorp, Olivia Goodley and Zoey Vance each scored five in the first half of play. Adalynn Voss and senior Clair Hulke led Alleman with six points apiece.
“We came out of the gates swinging but didn’t capitalize on what could have been a first quarter double digit lead,” said Burkiewicz.
Alleman used a 14-6 third quarter to put some distance between the two teams at 37-26. Clair Hulke made two threes in the frame and scored 11 second half points to lead the Pioneers.
Alleman sophomore Megan Hulke also tossed in treys in the third quarter and added eight second half points.
Alleman edged out Annawan in the final quarter, 12-11.
“Bottom line is, we have to be more efficient at scoring,” noted Burkiewicz. The Annawan coach, however, was pleased with his team’s defensive effort. “We held a powerful offensive team to the 40’s, which is where we want to be with a team of their caliber.”
Clair Hulke scored a game-high 17 points on the day. Megan Hulke had 11 and Voss added 10 points.
Vance led Annawan with 11 and VanOpdorp chipped in with 10 points.
The Bravettes are now 10-3 on the season.
