The Eufaula Ironheads pulled off a sweep of the Kellyville Ponies 50-28. It was a tough game to start as Aidan Cargil and Lilly Fairson each hit threepoint baskets but Johna Bumgarner of Eufaula kept the Lady Ironheads in the game with two three-point shots to trail 11-10 to end the first period.
Homecoming Queen Kate Pippenger, who made several key rebounds and assists as she went from a sequin dress to basketball uniform and dominating her opponent, led the Lady Ironheads in the second period.
“When I go from a dress to the court, I make sure I take every free minute during the week to visualize how I am going to play because it is very distracting but fun to prepare for both homecoming and a game. It takes making sure to get my mind right in warm-ups, and pushing my limits during the game to stay locked in,” Eufaula senior Kate Pippenger said.
Pippenger made a long three-pointer to start the second period. Fellow seniors Maddie Ballard and Jadence Efurd made their presence felt as Efurd played physical in the paint on both ends of the court while Ballard forced herself into shooting lanes and scored six of her game-high 18 points.
“I’ve grown up playing basketball with Maddie and Jadence, so having them by my side means so much to me. They both give everything they have every single game. Leading with them has been a privilege and blessing I am so thankful for,” Kate Pippenger said.
Eufaula rallied behind their seniors and fans could feel the swing in momentum as Ariel Greenlee grabbed rebounds and scored from the paint to give Eufaula a 27-17-halftime lead.
Eufaula continued its wrath in the third period as their defense began to frustrate the Lady Ponies as Efurd, Greenlee and Bumgarner outrebounded them on both ends of the court. Offensively, Ballard was terrific, Elaina Monroe hit a threepointer and Needham scored from the paint and the foul line.
Fairson and Brettynt Larson’s frustration showed on the court as they consistently fouled Eufaula players, sending them to the free-throw line. Ballard, Needham, Thompson and Greenlee closed out the final period to seal the Lady Ironheads’ 50-28 victory.
Ballard led all scorers with 18 points, Greenlee 10, Bumgarner six, Monroe and Thompson each had five points.