Chiefs improve to 2-2 overall, 2-1 in conference
By Dan Truttschel
Correspondent
When the Big Foot girls basketball team is clicking, the Chiefs send waves of pressure defense at their opponent and use a balanced-scoring attack offensively.
And that pretty much sums up Big Foot’s Rock Valley Conference road tilt Friday night at Jefferson.
The Chiefs jumped out to a 15-9 first-quarter lead and eventually wore down the Eagles in a convincing 48-34 victory. The win improved Big Foot to 2-2 overall and 2-1 in the RVC.
Keys to the win weren’t difficult to find, Big Foot coach Rick Schoenbeck said.
“Balanced play and contribution, along with better team work (were the keys),” he said. “We made less mistakes, (like) turnovers, missed shots and fouls.”
Even with the six-point edge in the first quarter, the game remained tight heading into the fourth, as Big Foot held a 35-28 advantage.
In the last eight minutes, however the Chiefs outscored the Eagles 13-6 to finally put the game out of reach.
By the time the fourth quarter arrived, Schoenbeck said Jefferson looked a little weary on the offensive end.
“We bring 10 girls at them and keep pressure on the ball,” he said. “We physically wore them down and denied the inside play on defense, thus they were shooting outside, which led to fast-break baskets.”
Courtney Schoenbeck led a balanced scoring attack with 12 points on the strength of two 3-pointers. Morgan Courier added nine points, three rebounds, five steals and four assists.
Courier was able to hurt the Eagles in a number of different ways, Schoenbeck said.
“She played well by driving hard to the basket and finishing at the rim,” he said. “Morgan has tremendous movement on offense and reads the defense well.
“She is a complete player with balance to her game in all phases of basketball by being productive with many more tins besides points and rebounds.”
Olivia Briggs and Carly Snudden each just missed a double-double, as Briggs had nine points and nine rebounds, while Snudden finished the night with eight points and nine rebounds.
Both girls certainly made an impact, Schoenbeck said.
“Carly has improved every game and is getting comfortable and relaxed,” he said. “With her size, she is a key to our success. As Carly contributes more and more to each game, we as a team will be more successful.”
Briggs has improved her rebounding, and as a guard, if she can continue that, will give the Chiefs yet another weapon, Schoenbeck said.
“Olivia has been steady all year,” he said. “She is one of the strongest guards and gets to the basket as good as anyone in our conference.
“We have been working on her rebounding, and she had the biggest night she has ever had on the boards. I preach defense, and Olivia brings it hard every night.”
Tough tests await
Big Foot was back in action when it hosted unbeaten and state-ranked Whitewater Thursday night. The Whippets, ranked fourth in Division 3, entered play this week at 6-0 overall and 2-0 in the RVC.
The Chiefs then host Clinton (5-0, 3-0) Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 7:15 p.m.
Both games will be a challenge, Schoenbeck said.
“In my eyes, these two teams are very different, but both have been successful programs,” he said. “Limiting mistakes will be key and pressure defense to control the tempo.”
