SK PIONEER SPORTS: Pioneers Bounce Back and Take Down Rockets

It certainly wasn't a thing of beauty but the Lady Pioneers bounced back tonight in the Northern Exposure tournament and bested the Rockcastle Rockets by a final score of 41-38. SK put the first two points on the board but went backwards from there as they fell behind 12-2. SK came scratching back and closed within two at half-time at 22-20. SK played very hard and physical but lost some ground and fell behind 5 going into the 4th quarter. SK came back with determination again to close the gap again in the fourth quarter only to squander prosperity and fell behind 6 with just 4 minutes to go. The Pioneers scrapped and clawed and fought and tied the score with just over a minute to go. Both teams had several opportunites but couldn't take the lead until Sophomore Chelsea Tolliver took the ball the rim for a Pioneer lead with just 16 seconds to go. Rockcastle called for the time-out just over the half-court line to set up a play. SK's defense locked down as it did for the entire 4th quarter and came up with a steal. SK held Rockcastle to just 4 points in the 4th quarter. SK forced 26 Rocket turnovers and lowered their turnover total to 18 on the night- not good but an improvement over last night. The Lady Pioneers' struggle tonight was shooting as they only connected on a mere 27% field goal percentage. SK won the game on the boards by outrebounding the Rockets by a 51-33 margin which allowed the Pioneers to take more shots on the night.

SK was lead in scoring by Chelsea Tolliver's 13 points followed by Caitlyn Figgins with 9.

The girls left everything they had on the court. They played the third and fourth quarters with a tremendous amount of determination and heart.

The Lady Pioneers will face Louisville Presentation tomorrow at 4:00 and hopes to secure the second spot in pool play.

PICTURES FROM ROCKCASTLE GAME

Chelsea Tolliver scores the go ahead basket with 16 seconds in the game.