The Southeastern Lady Panthers had their hands full at Huntington Tuesday, but managed to overcome the Lady Huntsmen's near-upset for a 60-55 victory, breaking the SVC Girls Basketball record for most consecutive wins at 39.
The old record was set by the 1980-83 Westfall Lady Mustangs, coached by Dennis Karshner.
Huntington's pesky half-court defense paid dividends all night, turning the Lady Panthers over 25 times, to only 12 for Huntington. Southeastern's control of the glass was a big difference as they pulled down 39 rebounds to 18 for the Lady Huntsmen.
Huntington led early at 9-5 before the Lady Panthers pulled even at 16-16. SE then went on a 7-0 run and would take a 29-23 advantage at halftime.
Southeastern took their biggest lead of the game at 43-32 in the third quarter, only to see Huntington scrap back to within 48-42 after three periods. The Lady Huntsmen kept storming back and eventually took leads of 52-50 and 54-52. Southeastern used a 6-0 run to take a 58-54 lead with Huntington getting to within 58-55. The Lady Huntsmen had two or three shots from behind the arc to tie, but could not get them to fall. SE added two free throws down the stretch to complete the record setting victory.
Late heroics by Ella Skeens on both ends of the floor- aided greatly in the win. Skeens had 32 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocked shots to lead the way. Rachel Collins was big as well, as the 6'0 senior scored 8 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked 4 shots. Skylar Hice added another 12 points and 7 rebounds, with McKinley Mitten pitching-in 8 points.
Huntington's Braiden Collins was big for her team, scoring 28 points and grabbing 10 steals- many which were turned into fast-break lay-ups.
Southeastern shot 23/55 from the field for 42%- including just 2/9 from the arc. They were also 12/17 at the foul line. Huntington shot 19/49 for 39%- including 4/18 from the arc. They were 13/18 at the free-throw line.
Southeastern improves to (12-0/16-2) and continues to hold a one game lead on Unioto, who beat Adena 51-27. Huntington drops to (7-4/12-6).
Southeastern 60: Ella Skeens 32, Skylar Hice 12, Rachel Collins 8, McKinley Mitten 8
Huntington 55: Brainden Collins 28, Shyanne Conley 8, Riley Black 8, Emily Haubeil 7, Kelsey McDonald 4
(Huntington's Braiden Collins prepares for a drive to the basket)
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