It was a tight battle in the first round of the Division IV Central 1 Sectional playoffs between No. 6 Mount Gilead (12-11, 6-6) and No. 3 Madison Christian (18-4, 12-0), but the Indians were able to improve off a shaky first half and comeback to take a 49-45 upset win on Feb. 21.
“The girls came out flat in the first half but came out in the second half and played our style of basketball,” said Assistant Coach Danielle Bault. “They were aggressive. They were active on defense and they were communicating well. That allowed us to chip away at the lead.”
In the fourth quarter Dani Pohlkotte made an and-one to tie up the game. They hit a pair of free throws to take a two point lead, and then freshman Sophie Mosher sealed the deal with a pair of free throws to go up four.
“It was a big moment for her,” Bault said of Mosher, who had four points, two boards and two steals on the night.
Leading the way for the Indians was Aubrey Thomas, who put up 16 points, six rebounds and three steals in the win.
“Aubrey Thomas carried us most of the game,” Bault said. “When Aubrey puts her mind to something she is going to accomplish it and she made her mind up at half that she was going to get to the basket and get us back in the game. She dominated the second half. Aubrey has been our most consistent player all year. But when she takes it to the next level she is fun to watch. She just outworks most people around her.”
Faith White also had a solid game with 15 points, four rebounds and four steals. Pohlkotte had seven points and four boards; Greer Simpson tallied four points and five rebounds; and Kendall Neal had three points, five assists and three steals.
“Faith White also had a nice all around game,” said Bault. “Once she settled in she saw the floor well, got in passing lanes and was able to find her spots offensively. Kendall Neal provided great minutes off the bench and ended the game with 3 steals and 5 assists.”
The Indians move on to play No. 4 Wellington School in the second round of the tournament. Bault said this will be a much faster paced game.
“They are similar to some of the teams in our league so we hope to use that experience to come out and get a win,” Bault said. “Our focus is on the defensive end. We have to talk, know our rotations, and communicate. When we are engaged at the defensive end we are a tough team to beat.”
Mount Gilead takes on Wellington School (19-4, 10-3) on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.
