WACO girls fall short in SEISC No. 2 game

BURLINGTON — Barring a first-round upset from Keota or New London, Friday night’s Southeast Iowa Super Conference Shootout clash between second-place teams WACO and Notre Dame was a preview of what would be a highly-anticipated regional quarterfinal game next week. If that game takes place, Friday’s contest shows promise of a thriller.

WACO nearly knocked off a Nike team playing in its hometown, but the rims at Southeastern Community College were unforgiving for the Warriors down the stretch of a 51-45 loss.

WACO climbed back from what was a 20-15 deficit after one quarter and a 33-27 halftime deficit to take a 41-40 lead in the third quarter, but the offense completely stalled out in the final period.

“I think quickly we adjusted things in our game, which kept us in the game,” said WACO head coach Lisa Graber. “I think decisions down the stretch, passing errors and little details (cost us).”

Turnovers and missed shots down the stretch piled up for a WACO team that was trying to beat the Nikes for the first time in 12 tries.

WACO certainly put a scare into the once-ranked Nikes, however, and as long as WACO can get past Keota and Notre Dame can hold serve against New London, the two teams could meet up again at WACO High School on Feb. 14.

“We've got to get past Keota first,” said Graber. “We can't afford to overlook anybody.”

Ellah Kissell scored 22 points in the loss, eight of which came in the third quarter as the Warriors proved they could claw back. Emma Wagler had 12 points. Grace Coble finished with six, and Katie Leichty scored four.

After the game, Coach Graber spoke about her team’s fight, and also the ability to play on the big stage at SCC, so close to the regional tournament.

“It's a good taste for the postseason,” Graber said. “I think it's good for the kids to prove that we can compete.”