It took about a quarter for the Blackhawks to calm their nerves before taking control of their state tournament destiny to stay out of the “Sunshine League”, or the day games, as they beat Kimball-White Lake Thursday night.
After a tight first quarter, ending it up by just two points, the Blackhawks, led by Myah Selland, went to work. Myah went on a run and scored 11 of their 14 points in that quarter, while the defense held the WiLdKats to just three.
The Hawks went into the half with a nice cushion, a 14-point lead at 27-13.
That was just the beginning, however, as they pounded KWL into submission throughout the final two quarters to end the game, 52-27.
A commanding lead in the final minutes allowed freshman Tanna Kingsbury and senior Kelbi Dean to check into the game.
Dean has suffered a number of severe concussions and has spent much of the last two seasons on the bench because of them. She sustained her last concussion in a game earlier this season and was benched for the remainder of the year.
Kingsbury was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer a year ago and has undergone very aggressive treatment throughout the past year. She received news that she is cancer free a couple weeks ago.
“We want Tanna!” rose up through the huge Blackhawks crowds upon seeing the second string substitutions late in the fourth quarter. When a game stoppage occurred allowing Kingsbury into the game, it seemed the roof of the arena might blow off with the force of the noise.
SCW was led by Rachel Selland with 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Myah Selland ended up with 13 points. Marissa Weber had eight points, including two three-pointers and Shelby Selland added eight points as well. Morgan Selland put down two threes for six points.
The Blackhawks added up 29 rebounds to KWL’s 21. They shot for 21-of-45 from the field for 47 percent and went 50 percent on 10 attempts from the line.
KWL shot for 10-of-33 from the field and also made five out of 10 from the free throw line.
The Lady Hawks met the WiLdKats for the first time this season Jan. 14 in Woonsocket and easily won 66-33.