Thanks to a 48-29 victory Wednesday at Duchesne, the Borgia Lady Knights are on the way to potentially winning a league title this season.
“We know we are close to winning the whole thing but must take care of our home court next week,” Borgia Head Coach Stacia Parsell said.
Borgia (15-6, 5-1) still has three games remaining in the regular season. All three are against Archdiocesan Athletic Association foes and two are Large Division games.
After playing St. Charles Lutheran in the AAA Showcase Saturday at St. Dominic (8 p.m. scheduled tipoff), the Lady Knights will host Bishop DuBourg (10-9, 3-2) Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. and St. Dominic (9-8, 2-2) Wednesday at 7 p.m.
The Showcase game is the final one of the night for that event. St. Charles Lutheran is the AAA Small Division leader. Borgia defeated St. Charles Lutheran 67-64 at Borgia Jan. 21.
At this point, Borgia controls its own destiny with a 1.5-game lead over both Duchesne and DuBourg following Wednesday’s victory.
A win over either DuBourg or St. Dominic will ensure the Lady Knights of at least a tie for the league title in Borgia’s first season in the AAA.
Duchesne
Parsell knew Wednesday’s game would be a difficult one. The Lady Pioneers won at Borgia Dec. 13, 51-43.
Duchesne opened Wednesday’s game with a 9-8 lead after eight minutes of action.
Borgia held the Lady Pioneers to just two points in the second quarter while scoring 14. That gave Borgia a 22-11 lead at the intermission.
Borgia continued the advantage through the third quarter and led 36-18 heading into the final eight minutes of action.
“We played a solid game all around,” Parsell said. “Duchesne was very physical and we kept our composure to build on a strong second quarter. The girls were focused and determined to avenge the loss from earlier in the season.”
Borgia had three players reach double digits in scoring.
Junior Janie Arand led the way with 15 points, seven rebounds, two steals and an assist.
“Janie Arand continued her scoring domination in the AAA conference,” Parsell said.
Sophomore Molly Arand contributed 13 points with four assists and three steals. She hit three of the team’s five three-point baskets in the contest.
“Molly Arand had an exceptional game,” Parsell said.
Senior Katie Lindemann posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. All of the rebounds came on the defensive end.
Sophomore Cassandra Halsted pulled down 10 rebounds while scoring five points. She also had one assist and one steal.
“Katie Lindemann and Cassandra Halsted outrebounded Duchesne,” Parsell said. “They were unstoppable on the boards.”
Senior Madison Wehking scored three points with two rebounds.
“Madison Wehking gave us some energy off the bench,” Parsell said.
Junior Emily Grahl netted two points while adding five assists, two rebounds and two steals.
Also playing for Borgia were junior Baylee Godat, freshman Megan Jensen (one blocked shot, one rebound), junior Alexis Sine and senior Morgan Spradling.
Morgan Plackemeier led Duchesne with nine points while adding two assists, one rebound and one steal.
Janelle Eisenbath had six points, eight rebounds, one blocked shot and an assist.
Savannah Pieper and Claire Skaggs scored five points apiece. Holly Mills and Brigitte Reilly ended with two points each.
