The eighth-ranked team in Class 2A won its sixth game in a row as the ACGC Chargers defeated the AHSTW Lady Vikes 64-32 in Avoca Tuesday night. ACGC was money from beyond the arc early as they raced out to a 13-2 lead. Although AHSTW tightened up in the second quarter, they struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm. As the game wore on, the depth of the Chargers took its toll on the Lady Vikes. Although AHSTW put up a valiant effort, 10 different Chargers found their way onto the score sheet as ACGC pulled away as the game wore on. Ultimately, ACGC was the better team as they walked away from Avoca with another win.

Coming in as favorites, ACGC did exactly what they needed to do as they roared out of the gate. They were particularly hot from beyond the arc. Scoring 19 points in the opening frame, 12 came from downtown. Meranda Gruber led the way for the chargers, knocking pair of three-pointers as a part of her eight points in the quarter.  Karli Kautzky and Jerzee Huss also hit threes as the Chargers raced out to a 13-2 lead and eventually held a 19-6 lead at the end of the quarter. Their ball movement throughout the game was impressive, but it was especially strong in the first quarter, as their well-timed cross-court passes opened up the floor for ACGC.

The second quarter was arguably AHSTW’s best quarter of the game. Their defense improved tremendously, allowing just eight points. Twice, the Lady Vikes forced ACGC to hold the ball until the waning moments of the shot clock. Although the Chargers would end up drawing fouls, it was a good sign for AHSTW. In addition to the defensive improvement, ACGC turned the ball over more than they did in the first, hindering their production. However, the problem for AHSTW was that their offense was also limited. Scoring nine points in the second after their six in the first, the Lady Vikes had good possessions and worked hard but were limited by ACGC’s defense. However, thanks to their defense, they were able to keep the game from getting away from them as the Lady Vikes headed to the locker room down 29-14.

Although AHSTW was able to keep its head above water through the front half of the third, the Chargers finished the second half of the frame on a 7-3 run. Although not dominant by any means, it took a semi-comfortable lead and expanded it. It also gave the Chargers more momentum as they continued to build the lead in the fourth. Camdyn Richter led the way for the Chargers in the fourth. After getting called for three fouls early and scoring just two points in the first half, she exploded in the third quarter, knocking down four field goals and a three-pointer. She would end up as the game’s leading scorer with 15 points. Meanwhile, the Charger defense continued to stifle the Lady Vikes, holding them to single-digit points in the final two frames. Addison Carroll added four points from the charity stripe to lead the team in scoring with 13, while Clara Pace used her ability to get to the paint to lead AHSTW in the second half with six. However, it would not be enough production to keep pace as the Chargers secured their sixth win of the season. ACGC head coach Brad Baudler was pleased with his team’s effort, especially their outside shooting.

Despite hardly playing in the second due to foul trouble, Richter came through for ACGC again.

As the pre-Christmas portion of the schedule comes to a close, the Chargers are doing what good teams do: finding ways to win.

Now 6-0, the Chargers will wrap up their pre-Christmas schedule by returning home Friday to take on Panorama. Meanwhile, the 3-3 Lady Vikes will remain at home to face Riverside on Tuesday before heading out on the road Friday to face Missouri Valley.