Cardington-Lincoln took over sole possession of first place in the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference with a key win over Danville, making it three straight wins.
“It was a very hard fought game,” said Cardington-Lincoln Coach Kevin Fitzpatrick. “I thought we did a really nice job handling the physicality of the game. Both teams were playing hard and getting after it. We did a nice job down the stretch handling the moment. We were in serious foul trouble and the bench had to play a key role in the win. I thought the kids that came in gave us great minutes and played their role in the win.”
Cardington-Lincoln took a 16-8 first quarter lead, led by Jill Bertke and Abbi Hardwick’s four points each. Grace Gronberg had seven points for the Blue Devils in the quarter. Danville won the second quarter 13-11, with Ella Proper putting up seven points, but it was a 27-19 halftime lead for the Pirates.
Danville cut the Pirate lead to 42-36 with a 17-15 third quarter advantage, led by Proper’s eight points. Madison Caulkins had six points for the Pirates. The Pirates finished with a 10-8 advantage in the fourth quarter with Hardwick scoring six points to lead the charge in the 52-46 win.
Hardwick led the Pirates with 14 points on the night. She also had four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
“Abbi has really stepped up her game,” Fitzpatrick said said. “She’s been making some big plays for us. Whether it be a big shot, the foul line, or finding a teammate for any easy one. I’m proud of how she has taken on that role. She’s really elevated her game and the rest of the team is following right along."
Caulkins put up a double-double with 10 points and 11 boards, and also tallied four assists and three steals.
Bertke narrowly missed a double-double with 10 points nine rebounds, and also had a block.
Lydia Hess had seven points and three rebounds. Genevieve Longsdorf had four points, seven rebounds, four steals and two assists. Magi Hallabrin and Kinstin Henthorn had three points and Morgan Powell scored a point. Hallabrin also had two boards, two assists and a steal.
Proper had 15 points for the Blue Devils, while Gronberg and Addison Mickley each had seven points. Kylee Hess scored six points, Brooklyn Staats had four points, Kendal Lepley had four points, and Jaylyn Smith scored three points.
Fitzpatrick was happy about being able to take the win over a tough Danville squad. After losing the first three games of the season, the Pirates have been on fire.
“We’ve won nine of our last 11,” said Fitzpatrick. “Couldn’t prouder of my team.”
Next up for the Pirates is another KMAC contest with Northmor (6-10, 2-7) on Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Danville takes on Fredericktown (6-7, 4-3) on Jan. 19 on the road with a 7:30 p.m. tip off.
