Second half rally sends CAM to a Regional Final

February 19th, 2021 by admin

After an 8-point halftime deficit the CAM girls basketball team ripped off a 9-0 run to start the second half and fought their way to a 60-53 win over Paton-Churdan Friday night. The Cougars ramped up the defensive intensity and got some better movement on offense in the second half to earn their way to the Class 1A Region 2 Final next Wednesday.

The Rockets started the game strong and jumped on top 10-6 at the end of the first. They proceeded to drop in 6 of their 8 first half threes in the second quarter to lead 30-22 at half. CAM then got three buckets from Eva Steffensen and a three from Meredith Rich to regain the lead with that 9-0 run. Paton-Churdan fought back in front 38-36 by the end of the third. CAM again responded with a strong start to the final period. Meridith Rich got a steal and a hoop to tie the game up, then Eva Steffensen put the Cougars on top with a three. After a Rocket bucket, Marissa Spieker hit one of her two huge fourth quarter threes to push the lead back to 4. She hit another big one later after the Rockets had climbed within three. With a late lead the Cougars chose to slow the game down for the last four minutes and make the Rockets foul. CAM came through with enough free throws to hold on the rest of the way.

Steffensen led CAM with 19 points and Zoey Baylor finished with 10. The Cougars will play in the 1A Region 2 Final on Wednesday against 2nd ranked Newell-Fonda. That game will be played at Winterset High School at 7:00 p.m.

Paton-Churdan was led on the night by 20 points from their outstanding senior Danielle Hoyle, 12 of those in the fourth quarter. Tessa Steimel dropped in 15 on five threes. The Rockets close a nice season at 16-6.

Listen to the full postgame interviews from Marissa Spieker and CAM Head Coach Joe Wollum below.