Ithaca Girls advance to play on Friday night with basketball victory

ITHACA, Wis (WRCO / WRCE) – Ithaca won a WIAA regional opener 57-52 over visiting Highland.  The Bulldogs trailed by 16 points in the first half before battling back to within 9 at halftime (29-20).  Highland led until 13 minutes left in the game when Ithaca took a 34-32 lead. The Cardinals jumped ahead again before the Bulldogs took a lead they would not give up.

Senior Maggie Kershner made a three point basket with 3:09 to play which put her team up 48-46.  Her 5 three pointers in the game came at crucial times. Sophomore Jacey Maxwell had 22 (11 in each half), Tristan Peterson had 11 points (7 from the free throw line), Holly King had 7 (including 3 free throws near games end), and Kelsea Coleman added 2 points. 

The Cardinals were led in scoring by Adilyn Esser with 20, Kate Tarrell totaled 13, Celia Oleson had 8 points, Sophia Tarrell scored 6, Brinleigh Bollant made a three pointer, and Kaitlyn Miller scored 2 points.  Highland’s final season record is 10-15.  Seniors Kate Tarrell, Izzy Washa, Kaitlyn Miller and Yezlin Mondragon-Gayton all played in their final high school basketball game.

Ithaca is now 14-10 on the season.  They will play at Shullsburg on Friday night in the second round of the playoffs. The Miners were winners by a score of 72-21 over Benton on Tuesday night.

Phil Nee spoke with Ithaca’s Tristen Peterson after the game.

Maggie Kershner talked with Phil Nee about the game and the 5 three point baskets she made.

Holly King talked about how it was a team effort to get the win.

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