December 18, 2020 – Jackson, WI – The matchup between division and conference foes, Kewaskum and Kettle Moraine Lutheran, really brought out some interesting play throughout the game.
Kewaskum started strong with the game’s first six points. The Indians seemed to have command of the game’s tempo, but its momentum was short-lived as the first half quickly became a see-saw battle.
The Indians went into halftime leading 24-21, with its offense managing to generate space on the floor and take advantage of rebounds.
The second half opened with a peculiar strategy by the Indians. Since there is no shot clock in the high school game, Kewaskum opted to hold the ball, doing minimal passing, and running out the clock the first nine and a half minutes leaving the Chargers’ crowd restless.
The Chargers kept cool and focused and scored the first basket of the second half with 9:20 remaining in the game.
The action picked up from there. A standout moment occurred late in the game as Kewaskum sophomore Julia Steger made an incredible play that followed a blocked KLM shot. Steger tried to keep the ball in play, but unfortunately was ruled out of bounds giving the ball back to the Chargers.
Kettle Moraine Lutheran secured the win 37-34.
Kewaskum’s leading scorer was senior Olivia Adornato with 10 points.
The Chargers were led by senior Emma Thistle who scored 13 points, all in the second half, which included game-sealing free throws. She was 75% at the line on the night.
Thistle credited the team’s success to continuity and camaraderie. “We’ve played a lot together through our junior Charger program and there isn’t any problem keeping the team together and having fun,” she said.
Regarding the opening of the second half Thistle said, “We knew Kewaskum wanted to go out strong and fast, we play better when we are patient. Since they had a deeper bench, we didn’t want them to tire us out and it worked.”
Asked about her future on and off the court Thistle said she is leaning towards playing basketball in college. “I would really miss it if I didn’t at least try college basketball,” she said.
Academically, Thistle would like to be an actuarial scientist. “I know that is a lot of schooling, so I am also interested in accounting, which I am taking a course in right now,” she said.
Kettle Moraine Lutheran will travel to Homestead in Mequon on Saturday, December 19 to face the Highlanders at 1 p.m.
Kewaskum visits Lomira for a non-conference matchup December 19 at 7:15 p.m.
