Trailing by five points at halftime, Sparta’s quick and physical defense took over in the second half to spark a 52-40 win over Pinckneyville Tuesday night in the semifinals of the Sparta 2A Regional.
“We looked like a duck out of water in the first half,” said Sparta coach Jim Jeffers. “We were playing hard, but were weren’t executing the way we should have been. Our defense really helped change the momentum and once you get the momentum on your side, it’s a big boost. Jessica Robinson averages about 21 points  a game and in the first half she was rushing a little on her shots. It was nice to see other girls step up for her. We just fought and fought for this win. These girls did not want this to be their last game.”
“This game was a window into our season,” said Pinckneyville coach Alan Engelhardt. “When we did the things that we were coached to do, as in the first half, we are pretty good. But we have a lot of girls who want to do their own thing, as in the second half, and we aren’t very good then.  We were terrible offensively in the second half, because we would not attack after a good first half in which we really put Sparta in foul trouble because of our willingness to get to the rim.  
I really feel badly for Emily Miller, because she had such a great career and she fought to the end tonight, but unlike Sparta, who played with great urgency in the second half, Emily was the only person who really guarded and played with any sense of purpose.  She will be dearly missed next year, and I don't think the girls who are returning understand what they are losing.”
Sparta was called for 10 fouls in the first half, while Pinckneyville had just three and held a 23-18 advantage.
The Lady Bulldogs quickly turned the game around in the third with a 7-0 run for a 25-23 lead. Sparta ended the quarter with a 7-2 run and a 34-29 lead after outscoring Pinckneyville 16-6 in the frame.
Rachel Peck led Sparta with five points in the quarter as five different players from Sparta scored.
Pinckneyville was just 3-of-15 from the field as the team settled for shots from the perimeter
The Lady Panthers couldn’t find their shooting touch in the fourth quarter either making just 3-of-11 shots as Sparta outscored them 18-11 for the 12-point win.
Jessica Robinson scored six points in the decisive quarter, while Jackie Robinson had five points.
“Jackie had a heck of a game tonight,” said Jeffers. “She made some big baskets for us and came down with numerous big rebounds.”
Jessica Robinson finished with 14 points, while Peck had 13, Jade Vaughn added 10 and Jackie Robinson tossed in seven points.
Miller wrapped up her prep career with 16 points to lead Pinckneyville.
Pinckneyville finished the season with a record of 19-10 with the loss.
Sparta advanced to face Nashville in the regional finals Thursday night at 7:30
“We played Nashville to a 10-point game last time on the road,” said Jeffers. “Thursday night we will be ready to play on our home court for the championship.”
Nashville 60
Red Bud 16
After battling with the top seeded Nashville Hornettes point-for-point in the first quarter, Red Bud was outscored 51-7 the rest of the way for a 60-16 loss in the Sparta 2A Regional semifinals Tuesday night.
Each team scored nine points in the first quarter, but Nashville would go on to outscore the Lady Musketeers 25-0 in the second, 16-3 in the third and 10-4 in the fourth for the 44-point win.
Jennifer Moeller led Nashville with 16 points.
Tara Hubert had three points to pace Red Bud.
With the win, Nashville advanced to the regional championship game to face Sparta Thursday night at 7:30.