Falcons outshoot Huskies on senior night
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LEWISTOWN -- Despite a big game from Marissa Gingrich and a big second half. It wasn't enough for Mifflin County to overcome its struggles in the first half in its 52-39 loss to Lower Dauphin in a Mid-Penn Conference girls basketball game on Friday.
"Every senior night I've been associated with as a coach since 1994 always seems to be like that," Huskies coach Aaron Gingrich said. "The kids are very emotional and it completely throws them off their normal routine."
"However, we still can't have that as an excuse to play the worst half of basketball we've played all year," Gingrich continued.
After the senior day festivities. Both Mifflin County and Lower Dauphin came out the opening tip with the same energy and aggression. The only difference was that the Falcons were able to get its shots to fall while the Huskies were unable to get the ball to go in.
Mifflin County created a lot of open shot opportunities for each other. They just were not able to fall. In fact, during the opening period the Huskies did not score until after nearly five minutes of play and ultimately scored only three points which was a three by Marissa Gingrich.
Mifflin County was outscored by the Falcons, 32-8, in the first half.
However, the Huskies did not quit and came out firing on all cylinders in the second half. Mifflin County had outscored Lower Dauphin 31-20 during the final two quarters of the game.
"The effort and energy they showed in the second half was much better and that is how it's supposed to be at the start of the game," Gingrich said. "We pressured much better defensively."
Leading the spirited charge was Gingrich who dropped a game-high 22 points to go along with five rebounds, three steals and a block. After the game, Gingrich was thankful and appreciative of everyone who has been there for her throughout her four year career at Mifflin County.
"In the past four years I've had a phenomenal time here," Gingrich said. "All my teammates, coaches are truly great and they've all helped me through all the way and I truly appreciate it."
The second senior player that Mifflin County was honoring was Mikayla Bodley who recorded three rebounds and was a driving force on the defensive side of the ball. Bodley wishes her teammates nothing but the best.
"It's been pretty good," Bodley said. "Over the years it hasn't been a sport to me. I made a lot of great bonds with a lot of great people and it really has just become another family to me."
Last but certainly was Aija Binder. Binder was putting in work on the glass for Mifflin County as Binder collected 10 rebounds, had a steal and a block for the evening. Although she is forever grateful to the program, she still has an eye on a prize for this season.
"I've had a great experience with the team over the past few years and this year was no different," Binder said. "I love my teammates, I love my coaches. As far as our season goes, I think we're doing pretty well. As far as our standards go we're pretty on par with how we were last year and we just hope to go on and win Districts."
Mifflin County (10-6) will look to rebound on Monday as the Huskies will host Selinsgrove. But to all his seniors, coach Gingrich wishes them all well and thanks them for everything they have done and wants to end the season on a high note for them.
"Every senior class is special. But I guess when your first born is in that group I guess it is always a little different," Gingrich said. "They've put a lot of time and energy into our program and have played a big role in our successes over the past several years."
"Obviously they will be missed but like we said. This season is far from over," Gingrich continued. "The goal of a District title is still right in front of us."
Lower Dauphin 52,
Mifflin County 39
LD 16 16 11 9--52
MC 3 5 16 15--39
Mifflin County (39): Amelia Leister 2 1-2 6; Marissa Gingrich 9 1-2 22; Jacee Cunningham 1 0-1 2; Maelyn Gingrich 2 0-0 5; Rylee Retherford 1 0-0 2; Mackenzie Peachey 1 0-0 2. TOTALS: 16 2-5 39.
Lower Dauphin (52): Lilli Knudsen 3 0-0 8; Cadyn Rismann 2 0-0 4; Cassidy Piegzik 5 0-0 11; Lauren Wahlers 6 2-4 16; Shannon Angerer 3 5-7 11; Addy Misiolek 1 0-0 2. TOTALS: 20 7-11 52.