Weiser unable to close a fourth quarter scoring gap to Cole Valley

Senior Hailey Eames (15) makes a solid move to get a shot off in the second half of the Cole Valley game. Ellie Shirts (23) delivered the pass to Eames. Photo by Michelle Estes
By:
Michelle Estes
The Weiser Lady Wolverines traveled to Cole Valley to face the Chargers for their second meeting of the season on Jan. 23. In December, the Wolverines had defeated the Chargers 53 to 39. However, in this rematch, Weiser struggled to find their rhythm while Cole Valley played well. At the end of the game, Weiser lost by a narrow margin, finishing at 43 to 46.
Weiser opened the scoring with a soft layup by Hailey Eames, assisted by a well-placed lob pass from Ellie Shirts. Cole Valley quickly responded with a free throw and a basket.
During their next offensive possession, Evie Dolton scored with a move at the block, but the Chargers quickly regained the lead with a couple of buckets. Midway through the first quarter, Dolton added another bucket for Weiser during a press break. The score was Weiser 6, Cole Valley 7.
The first quarter was physical, with few fouls called. Weiser ended the quarter down by 3 points, 11 to 14, following a 3-pointer from Ellie Shirts and a rebound put-back from Sophia Shirts.
The teams remained evenly matched in the first half of the second quarter until Weiser sparked a scoring run with a 3-pointer from Ellie Shirts during a press break and assist from Lerew. This was followed by a steal from Shirts, leading to a layup, and then on the next possession, Shirts passed inside to Eames for 2 points in the key.
With 2 minutes left in the half, Lerew hit a 3-pointer from the side after receiving a pass from Ellie Shirts. Just seconds later, Eames scored again in the key thanks to an assist from Lerew.
This scoring streak gave Weiser a 6-point lead by halftime, with a score of 27-21.
Early in the third quarter, Weiser extended their lead to 9 points when Eames had a rebound put-back and Lerew made another 3-pointer, assisted by Ali Sorenson.
However, the Chargers gradually chipped away at the Wolverines’ lead as Weiser went cold offensively. By the end of the third quarter, Weiser held a slim 2-point advantage, 34 to 32.
Cole Valley continued their momentum, tying the game at 34 on their first possession of the fourth quarter. The Chargers then scored 5 more points before Weiser found the scoreboard again. Lerew drove aggressively to the block and passed to Eames, who made a nice 17-foot jumper, marking Weiser’s first points of the fourth quarter with under 3 minutes remaining.
Cole Valley answered with another bucket, but Lerew responded with a steal and layup for Weiser with 1:40 left in the game. Thirty seconds later, the Chargers scored again. With just under a minute remaining, Dolton made both of her free throws, bringing Weiser’s score to 40, while Cole Valley was at 43.
In the tense closing seconds of the game, the Chargers converted a 3-point play. Lerew then brought Weiser back to within 3 points by sinking a 3-pointer at the buzzer, but the Wolverines were unable to close the gap, resulting in a final score of 43 to 46.
Lerew finished the night with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Eames also scored 12 points, grabbing 9 rebounds and 2 steals. Ellie Shirts contributed 8 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 8 steals. Rounding out the scoring were Dolton with 6 points and 8 rebounds, and both Sophia Shirts and Sorenson with 2 points each, while Jordan Stromberg added 1 point.
Scores at the end of quarters:
Weiser Cole Valley
1st: 11 14
2nd: 27 21
3rd: 34 32
4th: 43 46
Category:
Signal American
18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
PH: (208) 549-1717
FAX: (208) 549-1718
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