By Chris Parker
When the shots aren’t falling for Skyline, they turn to other methods to get things going.
“(The ball) wasn’t going in. When it doesn’t go in, you have to figure out how to score so kids had to go get (the ball),” Coach Kevin Cheek said.
Skyline’s alternative methods in a 42-33 state semifinal win over Norwood were offensive rebounding and forcing turnovers.
The Lady Tigers had 17 offensive rebounds to four for Norwood. Skyline forced 22 turnovers and scored 24 points off those turnovers.
In all, Skyline took 54 shots from the field in the game to 36 for Norwood.
Skyline faced adversity in the fourth quarter. With just under five minutes left in the game, Ashlen Garrett, who has been Skyline’s leading scorer this season, exited with an injury.
“When she went down, I think the first thought from these kids was ‘I hope she is ok’. And then ‘we have to do some things a little different to go win the basketball game,” Coach Cheek said.
Norwood edged as close as six points, 36-30, with 1:41 left in the game.
A veteran Skyline group didn’t panic.
“Since we are older, we have played in a lot of quarterfinal and sectional games. Whenever we were sophomores, it was pretty intense for us, but as we have gotten older I think we have learned stay calm in those situations and keep doing what we need to do,” Kenzi Cheek said.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
“When one of us is struggling we do really well picking each other up or another player knowing that they’re going to have to step up their role,” Sadie Redd said.
Skyline closed the game with a 6-3 advantage to secure the victory and advance to play for a second-consecutive state championship.
Kenzi Cheek led Skyline with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Jayln Barb was force on the offensive glass with six offensive rebounds and nine points. Norwood was paced by 12 points from Kalie Chadwell. Gentry Davault had seven points and nine rebounds.
Skyline plays St. Vincent in the Class 2 state championship game. The Lady Indians beat Tipton 56-50 in the first semifinal.
“I think once you get to the final four, I think whoever you end up with can go,” Coach Cheek said. “They (St. Vincent) can offer some matchup challenges. For us tomorrow I think it is the same thing that has happened all year. We have to hang onto the basketball and get some stops.”
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE GAME
Coach Cheek wants his team, especially his six seniors, to play pressure free in their final game.
“I told the kids that I am in a really good mood this week. When you have so many kids coming back you have that experience, but I think these senior kids felt an awful lot of pressure just to get back to the final four. Once they got back, I said all that (pressure) is gone,” Coach Cheek said. “I would like to see us go play tomorrow like there wasn’t any pressure. If we can let that pressure go, I think tomorrow is going to be fun regardless. High school basketball is rough because as a senior you don’t know when it is going to end. At least when you get to the final four you know it is going to be over regardless. This thing is over Saturday regardless. We are going to end pretty good career(s) and a pretty good season tomorrow, and we hope it is on the right note.”
Skyline faces St. Vincent in the Class 2 State Championship game at 4 pm on Saturday in Columbia.
