In a strong defensive third quarter, Minersville hung on at the end to win 41-40 over Shenandoah Valley for their first girls’ basketball win of the season. This also marks Emily Mealey’s first career win as Head Coach for the young Battlin’ Miners program.
For the Battlin’ Miners, Jenna Cullen led the team with 13 points. Kloee Horoshak collected ten points along with Rilynn Brennan with seven. Other scorers for Minersville were Alayna Boom (4), Catherine Ilsley (3), Emma Troutman (2), and Sara McGrath (2).
The Blue Devils were led by Gianna Donovan who had 15 points, nine of which were foul shots. Morgan Labosky had all 12 of her points in the fourth quarter along with Aubrie Monaghan netting 11 points. Shenandoah Valley’s other scorer was Brittany Tufts (2).
In the first quarter, Minersville was only up two when Cullen scored all four of her opening points as foul shots to help Minersville be in the lead. The second quarter was also close with a 23-20 Battlin’ Miner lead going into the half. The third quarter was the difference as the defense for Minersville came out aggressive. Anytime they made a basket, there was constant pressure. There were turnovers by the Blue Devils, and Minersville scored off most of those turnovers. They took a 39-26 lead going into the fourth quarter. Labosky was unstoppable in the last eight minutes as she collected 12 points within that eight-minute frame to keep Shenandoah Valley in the game. Minersville only had two points the entire fourth quarter thanks to Horoshak but they managed to barely get the win.
In terms of fouling, Minersville gathered 19 team fouls throughout the whole game with Brennan fouling out. Shenandoah Valley had 14 with Labosky and Monaghan each having four.
For Minersville this season and Coach Mealey’s career, they both go to 1-12. However, Shenandoah Valley goes down to 5-11. Both teams are young so it will be exciting to see what both can do in the next several years.
