Pioneers claim Blizzard Blowout title

Skelton hits game-winning foul shots for Calhoun girls

Posted

As the fourth period wound down Wednesday, Fort Calhoun senior basketball player Tess Skelton dribbled beyond the 3-point arc, biding her time.
The guard made her move in the final seconds, protecting the ball from a Centura defender on her way inside. As she approached the rim, the four-year varsity veteran was fouled and sent to the charity stripe with 3 seconds to go.
Skelton made both free throws and the Pioneers won the Blizzard Blowout Holiday Tournament in Cairo, 29-28.
“Just so happy for our kids and how mentally tough they were for these two games,” FCHS coach Marty Plum said. “They really deserved to win this championship.”
The Pioneers bested Sandy Creek a day earlier, 45-28, but earned the title with a win against their hosts. The final buzzer — after a well-short Centurion heave — signaled the road team's time to celebrate.
To start, Centura took an 11-5 lead through one period. It led 20-14 at halftime, too, before FCHS surged with a 9-1 third. The Pioneers took a 23-21 lead into the final period, but had to earn their lead back in the final seconds.
Skelton's game-tying and game-winning free throws capped an 11-point night. Maddy Tinkham added eight in victory, while Bria Bench scored six and Dala Drowne notched four.
Syndey Davis led Centura in defeat with nine points. Her team fell to 4-4 with the loss, while Fort Calhoun improved to 4-6.
Coach Plum's squad plays tonight at West Point-Beemer. The girls' varsity game is set for a 6 p.m. start.

Fort Calhoun girls basketball