The Greenon Knights women’s basketball team hosted Greeneview on Monday, January 13 in a big test for the Lady Knights. The game would be an important measuring stick for the team, as Greeneview is one of the best teams in the area and in Division III. Greeneview entered the game at (10-2) overall and ranked third in the Springfield News Sun’s area power rankings. Greenon lost to Greeneview 52-36 in the second game of the season last year, and looked to be in for quite a battle.
Greenon came into the game with a record of (8-4) overall and (5-1) in Mad River Division play. The Lady Knights entered the contest in a first-place tie with Graham in the division. Greenon was coming off of two straight wins, a 45-38 victory over Northwestern, and a 46-42 defeat of Benjamin Logan.
Greenon started the game off on a solid note by pressuring the ball on defense, and only trailed 13-9 at the end of the first quarter. But, the second quarter was where the visitors put a little space between the two teams, and Greeneview led 27-16 at the end of the first half. Greenon wasn’t able to make many shots in the first half, as Greeneview’s defense smothered their offensive execution. The Lady Knights showed a bit of life in the third quarter, and the team was able to draw within 10 points at 38-28 entering the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the Knights couldn’t shut down their opponents in the fourth quarter and gave up 20 points in the final quarter of action. Greenon lost 58-43, in what was a great experience for a young team that will certainly benefit the Knights come tournament time.
Junior Brittany Kozak led the team with 13 points and also added seven rebounds as she continued her string of excellent performances. Fellow junior Taylor Burson was a force in the post, as she led the team with 13 rebounds, three blocks and scored four points. Senior Lianne Masquelier dished eight assists, grabbed six steals and scored five points. Junior Lydia Newton scored nine points for the Knights, with senior Jenn Miller adding six points. Senior Brooke Robinson added three points and four rebounds, with sophomore Darian Patterson and Sidney Richards also scoring two and one points, respectively.
Greenon also traveled to Indian Lake on Saturday, January 18, looking to build upon a close 57-54 victory over the Lakers earlier in the season. The Lady Knights jumped out early and didn’t look back, as they led 33-20 at halftime and put the game firmly out of reach with a 22 point fourth quarter to give the Knights a 70-49 victory.
Burson again dominated the action with a career high 19 rebounds, 12 points and four blocks. Miller led the team in scoring with 17 points and three assists. Masquelier recorded a double-double with 12 assists, 10 points and six steals. Patterson, Robinson and Newton each scored seven, seven, and six points off the bench, respectively. Kozak had three points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Knights have a busy upcoming week, with a game at Shawnee before hosting Springfield. Greenon then hosts Graham on Saturday, January 25 in a game that will decide the Mad Division champion.