There were no trophies or state tournament berths on the line tonight at Parkers Chapel. But, the girls from Junction City and PC still played with a whole lot of motivation and intensity.
The Lady Dragons won 61-49, ending the Lady Trojans' hopes of running the table in conference.
I must say, I was impressed by both teams.
Obviously, Junction City played, probably, it's best game of the season. This is the team I picked to win the league back in December. Finally healthy, they're what I predicted they could be, big, athletic and active with just enough outside shooting to really frustrate any defense.
The Lady Dragons hit six 3-pointers at PC. When they do that, they'll be a pain in the butt for anyone.
Parkers Chapel, meanwhile, showed they can take a punch. The Lady Trojans impressed me in defeat with a never-say-die attitude. They trimmed a 22-point deficit to nine in about four minutes and had two good looks at a 3-pointer after that.
Junction City made a conscious effort to defend PC's 3-pointers. The Lady Trojans took it to the paint, which is the sign of a good team. They didn't make enough shots under the basket or at the free throw line, which is something they'll have to correct.
But, the determination was there. The unity was there. The fight was there.
"You hate to lose on your home floor, especially on Senior Night with a group of seniors that we have and we're very proud of and all they've accomplished but they've got to make sure they leave this one in the lockerroom tonight and come out tomorrow and get ready for Hermitage on Friday," PC coach Mark Young said afterward.
I think both teams are in good shape after tonight's game. PC's dressing room was somber while the Lady Dragons were dancing on the ceiling in theirs.
It's that time of the year.
Both teams tested each other in a way that should make both stronger in the weeks to come.
