Sauk Valley struggled to keep up with Malcolm X in a high-scoring affair, ultimately falling 63-42 during their Arrowhead Conference matchup on Monday in Dixon. The game showcased the resilience of both teams, but it was Malcolm X that pulled away with impressive runs at critical moments.
Despite trailing 36-21 at halftime, Sauk Valley showed determination by coming out strong in the third quarter. Quick scores from Camryn Veltrop and Shelby Veltrop narrowed the gap to 38-29, prompting a timeout from Malcolm X with 6:21 remaining in the period. “I think it was just us hustling. We came out in the third quarter ready to fight back, because we knew we could stick with them,” Camryn Veltrop said. “When we played defense the way we know we can, we were able to create deflections and keep the pressure on.”
The Veltrop sisters, along with point guard Harvest Day, effectively utilized a high-low post game, lobbing passes for layups and short jumpers. “We”ve been really good this year with our high-low; it”s one of our biggest strengths,” Shelby Veltrop noted. “Teams have a hard time stopping that when we get it inside.” As Malcolm X adjusted defensively, Day began driving more often, either finishing at the rim or creating opportunities for her teammates. “We all have the capability to get to the rim for easy baskets and trust each other to make plays,” Day said.
However, the Skyhawks faced challenges from beyond the arc, finishing the game without a three-point conversion, shooting just 31.4 percent from the field. They also struggled with turnovers, committing 24 and being outscored 14-2 in second-chance points. Malcolm X capitalized on their defensive strengths, securing a 47-35 rebounding advantage and recording 22 steals. “Our defense is what gets us through when the offense isn”t flowing,” Malcolm X coach Kim McQuarter explained. “As we approach the end of the season, we aim to become more defensive-minded.”
Malcolm X, playing their fourth game in seven days, displayed occasional sluggishness on offense but managed to take control with key scoring runs. “Basketball is a game of runs,” Day stated. “We have to maintain our composure and make our runs larger while minimizing theirs.” The Hawks ended the first quarter with a late basket, igniting a 22-10 run that expanded their lead to 36-21 at halftime. They continued this momentum with a 14-4 surge in the third quarter, pushing their advantage to 52-33.
Reflecting on the team”s performance, McQuarter remarked, “Perhaps we were a bit stagnant today, not fully in sync with our game plan. It”s important for us to improve our flow and execution, but we”ll take the win.” In the individual performance spotlight, Shelby Veltrop led the Skyhawks with 18 points, while Day contributed 13 points. For Malcolm X, Nia Allen led a balanced scoring effort with 13 points, supported by Lakayla Hudson and Christin Brewer.
