Warriors Rise to Challenge Against Wright City

By: Derrick Forsythe
Posted 11/7/19

Previously confined to the paint, on Monday night the Warriors finally got the outside scoring they'd sought since the season opener. Coincidentally, it surfaced during Warrenton's first meeting with …

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Warriors Rise to Challenge Against Wright City

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Previously confined to the paint, on Monday night the Warriors finally got the outside scoring they'd sought since the season opener. Coincidentally, it surfaced during Warrenton's first meeting with Wright City in five years. Ultimately, the Warriors claimed bragging rights in a 41-29 victory. Wright City never led during the first round contest of the 30th Annual Hermann Tournament. While they hit just two treys, the Warriors knocked down long-range two-pointers and started doing so early. Amy Raterman led all scorers with a career-high 20 points. It was also a season-high individual mark for the Warriors. "When you're no bigger than we are, the shots from the outside have to go down for us," said Warrenton Coach Barb Woodruff. "Maybe we're turning that corner. We still have a ways to go, but we play hard, and they do a good job of trying to do what I ask." Junior Morgan Barton scored eight first quarter points to propel the Warriors out to a 13-7 advantage. For one of the first times this season, Warrenton was not phased by pressure and was able to establish a halfcourt game. Outsized in the post, the Warriors resorted to drawing fouls on several occassions underneath the basket. They hit 11 of their 22 attempts at the line. In turn, Wright City tried to use the height to its advantage. "The gameplan going in was to get the ball inside, which we did," said Wildcat Coach Dave Chapman. "We got the ball inside and did a few things with it, but we didn't cash in the opportunities like I wanted." Warrenton led 25-14 at halftime. Chapman his team lacked the intensity in the first two quarters. It also failed to contain the Warriors' exterior shooting. "I told our girls (Warrenton) has to hit from the outside, and they did," said Chapman. "The first quarter was the difference in the game. The first half, really." The Wildcats trailed by 14 on two instances but never let its opponent build a larger lead than that. Warrenton protected its lead with patience on offense and diligence on the boards. The Warriors also found success in transition, exhibiting one of their most balanced offense outputs of the season. "I thought we could expand our lead, but we had some unforced errors," said Woodruff. "But they kept playing hard and forced some turnovers. We didn't take care of the ball very well there at the end, so it's a learning experience. We've got to know when to go and when to be patient." Lyndsey Dollard paced Wright City with nine points, while Kandice Abrolat dropped in eight in the defeat. The Wildcats have reason to be optimistic. They await a consolation semifinal against Montgomery County -ðthe lone team they've managed to beat this season. "I'm pleased," said Chapman. "I thought we could come down here and win this game. But we'll bounce back. We have to take advantage of our second shot at Montgomery." Warrenton will pursue a daunting task, as it locks horns with the host-Bearcats. Hermann pounded Montgomery County 77-11 in the tournament opener.


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