By Fred Kroner
Playing a junior varsity schedule only this year due to low numbers after the consolidation split with Villa Grove, the Heritage JV squad lost its first three games in a JV tournament at Mahomet, but scored more points in each contest against Class 3A competition.
On Saturday (Nov. 27), the Heritage JV squad fell to Champaign Central 47-28 in the sixth-place game.
Adena Paul just missed a double-double with eight points and nine rebounds. Paige George scored seven points and Gracie Tate had matching totals of six points and six rebounds. Mykayla Thomas also pulled down six rebounds.
“Our girls played really hard against a scrappy Central team,” Heritage coach Kami Hetman said. “Paige George took it to the rim several times, getting fouled in the process, and making five of six free throws.
“Point guard Mykayla Thomas got into some foul trouble early on, so Loran Tate and Bailee Lubben got in some good minutes handling the ball. Adena Paul made great moves in the post and Gracie Tate did everything right defensively, and also played well inside.”
On Friday (Nov. 26), George scored two points in a 47-4 loss to Normal Community. Kamryn Soard and Paul each grabbed four rebounds. George had three steals. Scoring one point apiece were Gracie Tate and Loran Tate.
“They were a very tough team, but my girls played their hearts out and took control of the things they could,” Hetman said. “I was proud of them for never giving up and taking little ‘wins’ throughout the game where they could find them.”
Against host Mahomet-Seymour, Gracie Tate led with three points. Courtney Sanford added two points and Paul hit a free throw. George had a team-high three steals.
Finishing with two rebounds apiece were George, Paul, Soard and Thomas.
“We had trouble stopping them, but we played really hard and improved from the first game offensively,” Hetman said.
The Heritage JV will return to action on Tuesday (Dec. 7) with their lone home game, against Georgetown-Ridge Farm.
