Tornadoes fall to Flyers in Regional opener
Lucas Domonousky Breeze-Courier Sports Editor
BETHALTO — The 2022
IHSA girls basketball Regionals began last night on Monday February 14. Taking place at the Civic
Memorial Gymnasium in Bethalto there would be two games played on Valentines day. The Taylorville faced
off against East St. Louis for the second match of the night. Starting out slow in the first half, the Tornadoes mounted a comeback but ultimately just ran out of time. They drop the contest by a final score of 54-44.
First up and taking home court advantage the Civic Memorial Eagles defeated the Jerseyville Panthers by a final score of 60-40.
Directly after that game the Tornadoes and Flyers took the court. The girls struggled to keep up with the pace set by East St. Louis.
“Ittookusabittoget going.” said Head Coach Hayden Eldred “Definitely very very cold to start the game.”
The Tornadoes got off to a cold start indeed. Only scoring 11 points in the first and second quarter combined. Three of the freshman Addison Tarr, Mazie Fleming and Kyleigh Heimsness shot 100% from the free throw line. Tarr finished with 17 points and lead the Tornadoes in the scoring department. Heimsness had 2 made free throws which mounted her 2 points and Fleming added 6 points to the total.
Right out the gate of the third quarter you could sense something had changed. It was their look and their play. This was the team that was supposed to be playing. They began their climb back.
With help from junior Alyvia McCullough and sophomores Aubrey Kietzman and Olivia Woodward. The three combined for 19 points with Kietzman notching an impressive 12 points.
“These girls don’t stop. I haven’t seen them give up.” Eldred stated proudly “For a young team that’s always good to see.”
The girls came within six points after previously down 20 plus which is something to write home about.
Taylorville couldn’t pass the ever moving finish linethough. As time ran out with the Flyers still ahead. The Tornadoes were defeated by East St. Louis, 54-44 the final.
Taylorville finishes with a 14-12 season record. The future for the THS girls basketball team appears incredibly bright with the strong young core of the Tornadoes.
“Big things to look forward to.” Eldred said “Just very proud of these girls. Great group of girls to coach.”
BETHALTO — Taylorville Sophomore, Aubrey Kietzman, zooms past the Flyer defender towards the designated basket. Kietzman finished with 12 points in the 54-44 loss to East St. Louis.
