By Becky Walz,
Patience and defense were keys to victory Tuesday night for the Turkey Valley girls’ basketball team as the Trojans (18-5) defeated Central City (12-10) in Jackson Junction in the regional quarterfinals, 53-47.
There was a lot of first-quarter action, but not a lot of scoring to start the game between the Trojans and Wildcats. Nearly half the opening frame was gone before the teams got the offense going. Senior Jaycie Byrne paved the way for much of the scoring for TV with seven points to push the Trojans ahead 13-9. The second period saw Central City get the momentum, rattling off the first five points of the period. With the lead swapping it took a basket by Byrne, along with a pair of Ali Hoffert free throws and trey to for TV to pull ahead, 26-20, at the half.
Central City once again closed the gap in the third frame, taking the 34-33 lead with 1:19 to play and added a three-point shot with 32 seconds remaining. Ali Hoffert hit her second buzzer beater of the game to keep TV within striking distance, 37-36.
Byrne managed to get the Trojans back out front, 41-37, in the final frame with back-to-back shots. Tension mounting, both defenses stepped up with a scoring drought ensuing for two minutes before Byrne knocked down a free throw. In order to stop the clock, the visiting Wildcats were forced to foul, allowing TV to hit free throw after free throw, going 6-for-6 in the final minute for the win.
“This was a great victory as Central City challenged and battled us all the way. Overall we played a sound game, but struggled to get shots to fall at times,” said Coach Carla Nymeyer. “Jaycie (Byrne) had the hot hand and was able to keep us going by hitting timely buckets for a career high.”
Byrne paced the field with 25 points, connecting on 8-of-11 shots. The senior also had four rebounds. Ali Hoffert provided another big game with 18 points, eight boards and three assists. The senior duo combined for 18-for-21 free throws as well for TV.
The bid to state
The Trojans are two games away from earning their third bid to state. First up is East Buchanan (13-9) Friday, Feb. 19, in Jackson Junction at 7 p.m. The Buccaneers advanced by defeating Ed-Co in the first round 54-37 and besting Kee in the quarterfinals 52-33.
The winner advances to the regional finals Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. at a site to be determined. Teams on the other side of the regional semifinal are Saint Ansgar (20-1) and Nashua-Plainfield (12-10).
The state basketball tournament runs Monday through Saturday, March 1-6, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
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