Paige Huffman squares up to launch a 3-pointer. Huffman made five threes on the night and scored 16 points. [Photo by Marlie Lindstrom of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program]

The Wethersfield Lady Geese put forth a valiant effort Wednesday night in a key LTC girls basketball matchup but came up short, losing 56-50 to conference leader Biggsville (West Central). 

The Lady Geese kept pace throughout the first two quarters of play and were within two points at the half, 23-21. 

West Central outscored Wethersfield 9-6 in the first quarter, but the Lady Geese returned the favor in the second quarter, topping the Heat 15-14. 

Senior workhorse Kennady Anderson scored all of Wethersfield’s six first-quarter points, while Addie Seitz had five for West Central and senior standout, Shelby Bowman, was held to four in the frame. 

Wethersfield’s shooters started zeroing in from beyond the arc in the second quarter. Lana Scott, Paige Huffman and Kendall Vincent each made one. Emersyn Nelson chipped in with four points.

Still rather subdued, Bowman scored seven more in the second quarter (11 in the half). Lainey Klossing added four for West Central. 

The Heat turned up the defensive pressure in the third quarter, packing into a tight 2-3 zone. It was then that those in attendance were able to see Bowman’s ability to score in bunches. 

Her quickness and sticky hands led to several steals and layups throughout the second half. She added 11 more points in the third quarter. She got help from Harlee Hainds, who scored six in the 19-11 pivotal third quarter. 

Huffman countered with three more treys in the third quarter to keep Wethersfield within 10 points at the end of the third period at 42-32.

The Lady Geese scratched and clawed to catch up to the Heat in the closing minutes. West Central kept trying to spread the court to take time off the clock, but Wethersfield had a few steals of their own that they were able convert into points. 

Scott made a baseline 3-pointer and Lajaya Angel drove the lane and made a layup through defensive contact. When she completed the 3-point play, the score was 52-44 with 1:50 left in the game.

Anderson then made two free throws (52-46) and Huffman followed with a steal and was fouled (53-47). The Geese, however, were then forced to foul. 

Emersyn Nelson looks for an open teammate during Wednesday night’s game against West Central. [Photo by Marlie Lindstrom of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program]

Bowman went 6-6 at the line in the fourth quarter to help fend off a Wethersfield comeback. Samantha Meyer scored four points in support. 

Huffman made her fifth and final three with a few seconds left to close out the game. Wethersfield totaled nine 3-pointers on the night. 

West Central is now 15-5 and 7-0 atop the LTC title chase, while Wethersfield sits at 18-4 overall and 5-2 in the conference. 

Bowman led all scorers with 26 points. Hainds and Seitz added 12 and eight, respectively. 

Huffman scored 16 for Wethersfield, while Anderson scored 13 and Scott chipped in with nine points.