Key second half adjustments made by Steeleville coach Darryl Winkelman worked to perfection, as the Lady Warriors outscored Valmeyer 41-14 in the second half for a 69-35 victory Thursday night.
“At halftime, we stressed about getting out on the shooter and closing up the middle,” said Winkelman. “In the second half, we were able to keep Valmeyer from getting open looks. We also were able to play at a more up-tempo pace, getting shots before their defense could set up.”
Steeleville was also lethal from the free throw line, going 20-for-34, while Valmeyer went just 2-for-8 from the foul line.
Steeleville senior Natalie Ruebke tossed in a game-high 22 points, as she was extremely accurate from the free throw stripe, going 10-for-13.
Morgan Lindner finished with 15 points for Steeleville with the majority of that coming in the first half.
The first half resembled a rugby game more than a basketball game with 19 fouls being called over the first 16 minutes of play. The Lady Warriors outscored Valmeyer 13-6 in the first quarter and held a 28-21 lead at the break.
The Lady Warriors turned a close game into a 20-point lead in the third quarter. Steeleville’s defense forced seven turnovers in the quarter, while Valmeyer made just 2-of-10 shots en route to being outscored 23-8. Lindner and Ruebke each had seven points in the third.
Steeleville kept its foot on the gas in the fourth, outscoring Valmeyer 18-6, to claim the 34-point win.
Valmeyer was just 5-of-27 from the field in the second half to go along with 13 turnovers.
With the win, Steeleville improved to 5-6 on the season.