The No. 5 Danville girls’ basketball team’s season came to a close in the District Semifinals of the Division IV state tournament, with the Blue Devils falling to No. 2 Fisher Catholic 41-31 on Feb. 27.
“Fisher Catholic is an excellent team,” said Coach Matt Proper. “We had an effective defensive gameplan, which our players executed nicely. The biggest factor in this game was our struggles in the first half shooting the basketball.”
The Blue Devils struggled to get the scoring going early, as they were outscored 9-2 in the opening quarter. Ella Proper, who led the team with 14 points, had the only bucket of the quarter for Danville. They put nine points on the board in the second frame, but were still outplayed, and found themselves down 24-11 at halftime. Proper had five points at the half, including a second quarter three.
Danville came out in the second half ready to play, outscoring Fisher Catholic 10-8. Kylee Hess had four points and Proper hit her second three of the game. The Irish were able to finish strong with a 9-8 fourth quarter to move onto the District Finals against No. 1 Newark Catholic.
Proper’s 14 points led all scorers in the game. She also tallied two steals and a rebound for the Blue Devils. Hess had six points and Addison Mickley put up four points, seven boards and a steal. Jaylyn Smith had three points and four steals.
Coach Proper praised his group of seniors that includes Proper, Hess, Smith, Broegan Staats and Grace Gronberg. He said they have a huge impact on the culture of the Blue Devil program, and the success during their four years wearing a Danville jersey. Proper also sees big thing for the team in the coming years.
“We are definitely going to miss them, but I know for fact they will be successful in all their future endeavors, and I'm excited to see what their future holds,” Proper said. “We also have a strong core of players that are returning next year. As with our seniors, they played a major role in our success this season. They have a lot of potential, and I am also excited to see what their future holds on the basketball floor.”
Statistical leaders and accolades:
The Blue Devils had a pair of first team All-KMAC players with Proper and Hess.
Proper, who became a member of the 1,000 point club this year, led the way with 14 points per game. She was third in the KMAC in scoring. Proper was also first on the team with 2.9 steals, second with 2.7 assists, second with 0.5 blocks and third with 4.4 rebounds. Proper was outstanding getting to the lines and making shots, going 88-for-109 from the foul line (80.73%). She was second in three point percentage at 38.85%, and her 54 threes led the team.
Hess was second on the team with 10.7 ppg, while leading the team with 5.8 boards and 3.8 assists. She was second with 2.4 steals and tied with Proper for second with 0.5 blocks.
Smith was named second team All-KMAC. She averaged 5.6 ppg, 3.3 boards, 1.5 steals and 1.5 assists.
Gronberg was an All-KMAC honorable mention, and averaged 4.8 ppg, 3.6 boards, one steal and one assist per game.
Addison Mickley had a solid senior year at 7.7 ppg, 4.8 boards, 1.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks. Broegan Staats led the team in field goal percentage at 46.39%, and averaged 5.4 ppg, 2.4 boards, one steal and one assist.
