Lady Trojans battle to the end in double overtime thriller

While the outcome did not end up in their favor Tuesday night at home against undefeated and top-ranked Townsend, the Whitehall High School girls basketball battled through adversity to show the heart of a champion and cemented the fact they are one of the best teams in the state.

Playing most of the second half without star player Asha Noyes and battling foul trouble late in the game, the Lady Trojans fought until the end falling short 59-57 in double overtime to the Lady Bulldogs.

After losing the first matchup of the season 52-34 on the road to Townsend, Whitehall (14-3, 7-3 5B District) would start strong Tuesday and after going up 4-3 in the first quarter would hold onto the lead until the final minute of regulation when a Townsend went in front 49-48. Freshman Brynna Wolfe would tie the game at 49 on a free throw and Lady Trojans were able to regain possession for a final shot, but a Wolfe three-pointer rimmed out and the top two teams in the 5B District would go into overtime.

Whitehall would go up 55-52 late in overtime, but Big Timber answered with a three on their final possession. The Lady Trojans once again had a chance to win it at the end of regulation but a Meagan Johnson shot fell short and the two teams would battle for another four minutes. With the game tied at 57 in the closing seconds, Lady Bulldog Tavia Rooney hit two free throws to put her team in front 59-57. Whitehall was unable to get off a shot in the final four seconds.

Head Coach Kelly Nieskens said his team was ready from the tip.

"They played hard. I'm proud of them," he said. "We were down two starters and the bench players came in and stepped it up."

Wolfe led the team in scoring with 15 points. In a little over two-quarters Noyes was also in double figures with 12. Kendra Klapan added 10, and Jada Clarkson, Meagan Johnson, and Maxine Hoagland each finished with six points. Britney Welker finished with two points for Whitehall.

Nieskens said it was unfortunate for Noyes to miss the game due to injury and his team could not hit free throws to close out a game they led by as many as 11 in the final quarter.

"We will be ready for them next time," he said.

An article about last weeks' games can be found in the print edition of the Whitehall Ledger.