Ogilvie hosted Mora on Thursday night.
If you were to look at this matchup on paper, it may look like if was heavily favored in Ogilvie's direction. But in a rivalry game this was far from true. Not only are they rivals but this year they're now conference opponents as well. These teams were both fighting for another conference win, but the Lions had a player near a career milestone. Kadence Pierce was 17 points away from 2,000 career points, but the Lions were not going to focus on that.
Once the game started you could tell it was going to be a good one. Ogilvie had jumped out in front early but Mora was quick to answer and tie the game. The game was back and forth as both teams were playing solid on each side of the ball. The Lions were scoring at a good pace, but every time they had built a double digit lead, they couldn't pull away cause Mora would erase the deficit and tie the game again. A big reason for the Mustangs ability to keep it close was they simply put their hands on the ball at every opportunity. If there was a rebound by Ogilvie, or a loose ball, Mora would get their hands on the ball and force a jump ball. This created some frustration on the side of the Lions as many times this caused them to miss out on fast break, or second chance scoring opportunities. Late in the 1st half the Lions retook the lead and went into the halftime break leading 35-28.
The 2nd half was a continuation of the 1st, both teams kept it close and neither could pull away. But in the first few possessions Pierce was fouled and headed to the free throw line. She would drain both shots and the second shot helped her eclipse the 2,000 career point mark. A special moment for a special player, but she was quick to get back to work as the half had only just begun. After this Ogilvie had, for the first time all night, took a more than 10 point lead. They would be nothing short of dominant in a run that saw them extend their lead to 19 points 50-31. But Mora much they had all night battled back and had cut into the lead again. But time was not on their side and the Lions made the few stops they need and Ogilvie came out on top 57-42.
The Lions improve to 8-4 on the season, and will host Barnum next Tuesday.
The Mustangs fall to 3-8 on the year and will play MLWR on Tuesday.
Congratulations to Kadence Pierce on 2,000 career points!
Scoring
Ogilvie:
Kadence Pierce 27
Aleah Robyn 15
ruby Beier 5
Bethany Besser 4
Sophia and Ava Halvorson 3
Mora:
Ellia Kastenbauer 14
Mackenzie Holte 8
Addison Axtell and Amber Fix 7
Meghan Sperling and Teagan Oslin 2
