Demons done in by first place Chiefs

WASHINGTON — The schedule hasn’t done Washington any favors as of late in the sport of girls basketball.

The Demons, reeling from a couple of tough home games over the weekend, faced off with first-place Keokuk for the second time in five days on Tuesday night. Like in Friday’s road game, Washington couldn’t solve the red-hot Chiefs.

Washington’s Kaylin Long battles for a loose ball on Tuesday against Washington. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)

Keokuk, which spent its Saturday rattling off an impressive 33-point win over No. 12 (2A) West Burlington, held Washington to just 11 first-half points en route to a 58-35 victory.

“They get after you on the defensive end,” said Washington head coach Shannon Rugg. “They're a good team, and we dug ourselves a hole.”

Washington’s Kendall Hinrichsen draws contact during the Demons’ home game against Keokuk on Tuesday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)

Keokuk’s defense shined early, as the Chiefs held a double-digit lead before the Demons could score a point. Kaylin Long splashed in a 3-pointer late in the first quarter to ward off an opening-period shut out, but Keokuk led 16-3 after one.

Washington’s offense picked up a bit in the second quarter, but Keokuk still held a commanding 32-11 halftime lead.

Washington’s best quarter was the third, where they were able to outscore Keokuk 11-9. The Demons did get the game back below 20 points temporarily, but the Chiefs answered again and again with long-range shots on the other end.

Washington’s Adalyn Long surveys the court during the Demons’ home loss to Keokuk on Tuesday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)

Coach Rugg says he saw some improvements from the last time the Demons played the Chiefs, which was Friday night in Keokuk, but that there still is work to be done.

“I thought we did some things better tonight,” Rugg said. “But obviously we have some room to improve.”

Adalyn Long led the Demons with 12 points in the loss. Kaylin Long and Lieghton Messinger ended with eight apiece. Makenna Conrad scored four. Maci Williams and Taylor Miksch each finished with two.

Washington’s Leighton Messinger drives against Keokuk’s Kayde Martin on Tuesday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)

Washington gets a chance to right the ship on Friday night, as the Demons (6-7, 3-4) travel to Mt. Pleasant (8-7, 4-2) for a Southeast Conference showdown. Also on Friday, Fort Madison and Keokuk will play in a battle of teams that sit 5-1 atop the conference.