The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

High School Sports

Related Photos

  • Nevada Moenning of College Heights Christian battles with McAuley Catholic's Mercedes Womack (left) for a loose ball in front of McAuley's Kathryn Wiseman (31) and Abby Pekarek (13) during a Thursday night game at the Warriors' gymnasium. Globe/Roger Nomer

    r122012mcauleybball2.jpg

  • McAuley's Abby Pekarek steals the ball from College Heights' Afton Clevenger during Thursday's game. Globe/Roger Nomer

    r122012mcauleybball.jpg

Discussion

December 21, 2012

McAuley boys piece together winning streak

By Mark Schremmer Globe Sports Writer

As far as winning streaks go, two in a row is as small as it gets.

However, McAuley Catholic’s second straight victory was a big milestone for the team’s seniors.

You see, the Warriors’ 60-42 win over the College Heights Christian Cougars on Thursday night at McAuley High School marked the first time the McAuley seniors had rattled off back-to-back victories in their high school careers.

“We waited quite a long time for this,” said McAuley senior forward Shaw Robertson, who led the Warriors with 20 points.

It was a good way for the Warriors to end the first part of the season. With wins over Sarcoxie and College Heights, McAuley improved to 4-7 and will be off for the holiday break until it plays the Galena Bulldogs at home on Jan. 4.

“This gives us some confidence going into the second part of the season,” Robertson said.

McAuley was able to earn the win despite missing several baskets from close range and some early hot shooting from College Heights.

“We missed some easy shots early,” McAuley coach Randy Robertson said. “I knew if we continued to get those opportunities, they would eventually go in.”

College Heights led 10-7 early, but McAuley sophomore guard Adam Robertson hit a 3-pointer to tie the game with 3:08 left in the first quarter. That trey started an 8-0 run for the Warriors, and the Cougars never led again.

“The defense played well,” Coach Robertson said. “They were hitting shots early. They got some good shooters, but the defense worked tonight. The defense did a good job, and we rebounded some.”

McAuley held College Heights to seven points in the second quarter and extended the lead to 27-18 by halftime. In the second half, the close baskets started to fall for the Warriors as Shaw Robertson scored eight in the third quarter.

Connor Schlegel, Adam Robertson and Cole Lowry added 12, 10 and nine points, respectively, for the Warriors.

A pair of sophomores led the Cougars as Josh Woodmansee scored 19 points and Jake Hamilton recorded 10. Woodmansee hit three 3-pointers.

CHC GIRLS 44, McAULEY 36

The McAuley Warriors had a golden opportunity.

McAuley held College Heights scoreless from the 3:20 mark of the third quarter until the 2:16 mark of the fourth quarter. The problem for the Warriors was that they scored only four points themselves during that nine-minute span.

College Heights held on for a 44-36 win.

The Cougars led 35-26 entering the drought and still were ahead 35-30 before senior guard Kirsty Green knocked down a trey with 2:16 left in the game.

McAuley had a long drought of its own. The Warriors cut the lead to five when sophomore forward Gabby Moore hit a jumper at the 7:26 mark. McAuley didn’t score again until junior guard Abby Pekarek hit a free throw with 1:05 left. The Warriors didn’t make another field goal until senior guard Kambry Wagner hit a 3-pointer with 45 seconds remaining.

By that time it was too late as College Heights still led 42-34. Then, the Cougars made enough of their free throws down the stretch to earn the win.

Green scored 16 points for College Heights, and Brianna Shores added 15.

McAuley was led by 15 points from senior forward Victoria Foley. Junior forward Megan Price chipped in with 10 points.

Text Only
High School Sports