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By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Skyline junior forward Emma Crawford says the Lady Tigers are an emotional group.
Those emotions proved too much to handle in a blowout loss to four-time defending Class 3 state champion Strafford in late December.
“We all went in scared,” Crawford said. “Because they’re Strafford. They’re good. We were all nervous and our emotions got to us.”
Skyline wasn’t intimidated the second time around.
Skyline handed Strafford its first home and conference loss in five years, winning 58-53 on Monday night.
The victory clinches an outright Mid-Lakes Conference championship for the Lady Tigers; Strafford was seeking its sixth straight conference title.
Skyline (17-7 overall, 5-0 Mid-Lakes) has won eight of its last nine games since a 24-point loss to South Callaway on Jan. 24.
“We’ve had to go through thick and thin, trying to pull each other up,” Crawford said. “It’s been an adventure for sure.”
All seven of the Lady Tigers’ losses have come against teams who currently have 16 or more wins. Five of the seven are state ranked.
“Our kids have come a long way,” said Skyline coach Kevin Cheek.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
When Skyline and Strafford played in the Pink and White Lady Classic in late December, Strafford cruised to a 62-37 win.
Skyline’s shooting made the difference in the rematch. Skyline made nine 3-pointers and 17 of 21 free throw attempts.
“The first game, we were like 3-for-21 from 3 and 13-for-22 from the free throw line,” Cheek said. “Tonight, we shot it really well early and that gave us some confidence.”
Crawford scored 14 of her team-high 16 in the second half.
“The things that Emma’s done from the start of the year to now is a testament to her work ethic,” Cheek said.
Crawford’s 3-pointer with 2:15 remaining put Skyline ahead 50-49. The Lady Tigers would not trail again.
Strafford (22-3 overall, 4-1 Mid-Lakes) had briefly taken a 49-47 lead on three straight layups from sophomore guard Emma Compton.
Skyline (17-7 overall, 5-0 Mid-Lakes) got a pair of stops after Crawford’s 3 and made its free throws in the final minute to preserve the win.
Strafford had stormed back from a 28-21 halftime deficit.
“It’s really all about grinding and keep going no matter,” said Skyline sophomore guard Miranda Quennoz. “Even if we do get down, we just have to keep pushing forward.”
The outcome marks Strafford’s first home loss since March 2, 2015 (68-44 versus Buffalo) and first conference loss since Jan. 8, 2015 (56-54 at Skyline).
Strafford concludes the regular season this Thursday at Fair Grove. Skyline plays at Warsaw the same night.
Skyline is the No. 2 seed for next week’s Class 2 District 13 Tournament in Weaubleau. Cheek said the Lady Tigers are peaking at the right time.
“You could see it – bits and pieces – early in the year. Now, we’ve finally committed to, ‘This is how we to play in order to win,’” Cheek said.
Skyline 58, Strafford 53
Skyline 16 12 15 15 — 58
Strafford 12 9 22 10 — 53
Skyline (17-7 overall, 6-0 Mid-Lakes) – Crawford 16, Barb 14, Quennoz 10, Gunter 9, Edwards 5, Conly 2, Nothnagel 2
Strafford (22-3 overall, 5-1) – Chadwell 16, Jones 14, Compton 9, Dormann 8, Mullings 4, Treat 2
Strafford JV 51, Skyline JV 31
