Girls Basketball: Neuqua Valley downs Jordan, St Charles East

Updated: February 9, 2012 10:32PM

The Neuqua Valley girls basketball team has a habit of taking great shooters out of their game.

Thursday night was no exception as St. Charles East sharpshooter Paige Jordan became a target for the Wildcats, who used relentless defense to grab a win on the road, 52-43, in an Upstate Eight Conference crossover matchup.

The junior guard had 15 first-half points, which included 4-of-6 from the three-point line, but was held to just one field goal in the second half.

“Honestly, I wasn’t playing good at all. I missed at least seven layups and then I air-balled three shots which is awful,” said Jordan, who finished with a game-high 17 points.

Neuqua Valley began the game by utilizing its transition defense due to forced turnovers and ran out to a 10-0 lead to start the contest.

Jordan found her rhythm offensively and was able to help East stay in the game, down only 27-22 at halftime.

To open the third quarter, sophomore Kristen Moore took a pass at the top of the paint on a fast break and the 6-footer twirled her way with finesse past her defender and laid in a basket that catapulted her team to go on a 10-1 run and take a 37-23 lead which was never threatened.

Malia Smith led the Wildcats with 10 points.

Neuqua coach Mike Williams expects more from his team for upcoming regionals.

“Our chemistry will be back. Next week is really the most important week because it’s one-and-done.”

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