An 11-0 third-quarter run by the Indian Creek girls basketball team was the difference in its game against county rival Edinburgh on Wednesday night.
That was the story as the host Braves beat the Lancers 67-57 — a third quarter of contrasts, one of hope for Indian Creek coach Dan Burkman and one of worry for Edinburgh’s Amy Schilling.
“Traditionally, we get a lot of points off of our defense, and we were able to do that in the third and fourth quarters,” Burkman said.
The story was different for Schilling and the Lancers.
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Click here to purchase photos from this galleryWith her team leading at halftime 23-21, Schilling knew this was a winnable game, but all season long the Lancers have had trouble putting together four consistent quarters of offense.
Wednesday, the third quarter was the problem — but give Indian Creek an assist on that.
“We switched up to a 1-3-1 defense and really started to play better,” Burkman said. “I also had to get on the girls at halftime and get them to take shots.”
It was the second game between the longtime county rivals this season.
In November, the Braves dropped the Lancers by a dozen points, 64-52, in the first round of the Johnson County Tournament.
Entering this game, both Indian Creek and Edinburgh were having difficulties as of late.
The Braves were riding a two-game losing streak, though both were to larger Clasds 4A teams, Brownsburg and county rival Franklin. Edinburgh, meanwhile, had dropped four of its past five games.
In two of those losses, the Lancers had chances to win but dropped the games to Greenwood Christian and Milan by a combined 10 points.
Play was spotty for both teams in the first half, but Edinburgh kept its poise and was rewarded for its efforts with the lead.
Wary of the third quarter, Shilling’s duty at halftime was to continue to instill confidence in the Lancers — especially since Indian Creek senior Madelyn Gary had three fouls.
Unfortunately for the Lancers, the Braves’ 11-0 scoring streak put a big hurdle in the way.
Gary, however, fouled out with 7:08 to go in the game, and the Lancers were able to get within five points. But that was as close as they got despite a nice barrage of 3-point baskets, five of them in the fourth quarter.
Indian Creek countered with four of its own, three by sophomore Katie Burkman, to secure the win.
Indian Creek (7-10) was led by Katie Burkman’s 19 points, while sophomore Caitlyn Snyder added 10 — all in the fourth quarter.
Edinburgh (5-10) was led by freshman Destiney Ramey, who came off the bench to score 16 points. Senior Allie Schooler added 15.
The Braves stay home for their next matchup, a Western Indiana Conference affair against Brown County on Saturday. Edinburgh is home Saturday against nonconference foe Speedway.
