GIRLS HOOPS JFK ends Tigers' perfect streak

After 20 straight wins, Springfield was bounced to the sidelines, 50-47.
By JOHN BUTERA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
HANOVERTON -- Despite scoring just three points in the third quarter and making only four field goals the entire second half, the Warren John F. Kennedy High girls basketball team upset previously unbeaten Springfield 50-47 Saturday at United High School.
The win placed JFK (14-6) in Thursday's Division III district semifinal against Cardinal Mooney. Second-seeded Springfield (20-1) suffered its fourth straight first-game tournament loss.
"In my eyes, it looked like we didn't show up to play basketball," Springfield coach Sandi Kohler said. "I don't know if they caused that or not. I'd be lying if I said this didn't take away from our season."
Strong start
JFK rolled out to a fast start and never trailed after Springfield made the game's first basket. The Eagles built leads of 13-6, 16-8 and carried an 18-10 advantage into the second quarter.
"That early lead was crucial," JFK coach Denise Smith said. "In fact, it was the most important part of our game plan."
Here, the Eagles took charge. Behind baskets from four different players, they built a 27-13 advantage at 5:20 of the second quarter.
JFK turned the ball over just twice during the second quarter, with its first miscue coming with 1:48 remaining in the half.
On top 33-23 at intermission, JFK also was able to take Springfield's huge crowd out of the game.
"We've had slow starts all year," Kohler said, "but this was the biggest hole we've dug ourselves."
A second-chance basket by JFK junior Aarika Knepp extended JFK's lead to 35-23 at 7:49 of the third, but the Eagles went cold by missing their final 12 shots of the quarter.
"I was concerned about the girls mentally," Smith said. "I didn't want us to get tentative after Springfield got back into the game."
Springfield continued to chip away at its deficit. When Lindsay Johnson, who took scoring honors with 19 points, muscled her way inside, the Tigers were within 36-31.
Springfield pulled to within five points in the fourth quarter, but costly turnovers hurt the cause as JFK went ahead 49-39 with 40 seconds remaining. Springfield made three baskets in 16 seconds, but it wasn't enough.
Junior Alyssa Chaves led JFK with 15 points, while Knepp added 12 and Renee Black 11.