UNION CITY – The Mississinawa Valley Lady Blackhawks continued their dominant run through conference play Saturday afternoon, remaining unbeaten with their 10th straight win after defeating the visiting Arcanum Lady Trojans 63-38 at the Nest.
“We’re playing really well,” said Mississinawa coach Kirk Comer. “The thing I’m most excited about is we have such a great opportunity for growth. They’re still learning from me and I’m learning them. We’re going to continue to work hard and try to be the best we can be at the end of the season.”
Returning to the lineup after missing time with an injury, senior Paige Emerick didn’t miss a beat, leading the Lady Blackhawks with 18 points while knocking down three shots from beyond the arc.
“Paige anticipated really well in the passing lanes and got some easy baskets for us,” Comer said. “It was an all-around good defensive night, and I thought we took steps getting better today. She’s a really good player and leader.”
Mississinawa wasted no time setting the tone, turning the opening tip into a Tenlee Woodbury layup just three seconds into the game. The Lady Blackhawks never looked back, building an 18-9 lead after the first quarter.
The margin grew in the second period as Mississinawa stretched its advantage to 29-14 with 3:15 remaining before halftime. Brooklynn Seubert spent time on the bench with two fouls in the quarter, but the Lady Hawks still carried a commanding 34-18 lead into the break.
Mississinawa continued to create separation in the third quarter, outscoring Arcanum 16-7 to take a 50-25 lead into the final period. The teams played to an even 13-13 fourth quarter, sealing a 25-point conference victory for the Lady Blackhawks.
“The girls have bought into what we’re doing and they’re listening,” Comer said. “The more success you have, the more they’re going to buy in. I’ve been very blessed and lucky to have great kids throughout my 30 years of coaching, and this year is no exception. They’re just a great group of kids.”
Arcanum coach Abbey Moore pointed to ball control and physical play as key areas needing improvement.
“It’s always about taking care of the basketball, and we have to figure that out,” Moore said. “These girls give their all, and they fight, but we have to develop more toughness and grit so that doesn’t happen on the floor.
“We need to get back in the gym on Monday,” Moore added. “We got out-rebounded and gave them shots and layups. You can’t do that and expect to win a ballgame.”
Cora Hoggatt led Mississinawa Valley and all scorers with a game-high 24 points.
BOX SCORE:
MISSISSINAWA VALLEY 63, ARCANUM 38
MISSISSINAWA VALLEY – C. Hoggatt 24, P. Emrick 18, M. Hoggatt 7, T. Woodbury 6, B. Seubert 6, C. Seubert 1, T. Reichard 1 – TOTALS 18 12-24 5 63
ARCANUM – C. Long 13, A. Paul 12, M. Noe 5, C. Hein 4, E. Flatter 2, D. Michael 2 – TOTALS 9 5-9 5 38
3-POINTERS
Mississinawa Valley 5 (P. Emrick 3, M. Hoggatt 2)
Arcanum 5 (A. Paul 4, M. Noe 1)
SCORE by QUARTERS –
18-16-16-13 63 MISSISSINAW VALLEY
09-09-07-13 38 ARCANUM
