Free throws decide games against Paris and Prairie Central

By Fred Kroner

The Spartans lost back-to-back girls’ basketball games with a common theme in each setback. Both Prairie Central on Thursday (Feb 25) and Paris on Saturday (Feb. 27) converted 24 free throws.

PC attempted 37 free throws in a 55-51 win on the Spartans’ court. Paris went to the line 31 times in a 55-45 triumph on its home court.

SJ-O and PC were tied, 9-9, after one quarter, but the Hawks opened up a 27-18 halftime lead.

Payton Vallee scored 11 of her season-high 13 points in the second half as the Spartans cut into their deficit.

Ella Armstrong scored 12 points and Payton Jacob knocked down nine points.

Armstrong made two three-pointers. Jacob and Peyton Jones each hit one three-pointer.

In the non-conference game at state-ranked Paris, the home team opened up a 15-4 lead after one quarter.

Taylor Wells led SJ-O with nine points. Armstrong and Jacob each finished with eight points.

Armstrong made all six of her free throw attempts and has a streak of 19 consecutive free throws made since the team’s second game of the year. Overall, she has made 88.5 percent of her foul shots this season.

As a team, SJ-O went to the free throw line 43 times in its last two games and converted 28 of the attempts.

SJ-O (5-3) returns to action on Monday (March 1) with a game in Chillicothe against Illinois Valley Central.