On Tuesday night, the Lady Crimsons faced Pleasure Ridge Park High School (PRP) in a high-energy match up. Manual controlled the pace for most of the game, steadily building momentum across all four quarters and securing a strong 59-33 victory over PRP.
First half:
Manual and PRP opened the night with high energy, and the Panthers wasted no time, scoring just 10 seconds into the game for a quick 2-0 lead. Manual answered with strong defensive stops, but PRP’s aggressive offense kept the ball flying up and down the court. Manual finally broke through when Amaria Pegues (#23,10) scored with an assist from Takenzie Young (#1, 10), making the score 2-2 before PRP pushed ahead again.
Manual’s defense tightened, highlighted by great pressure from Ahmari Brice (#0, 10). Following a PRP foul, Pegues knocked down both free throws to bring the score 8-4. The Panthers kept attacking, but Manual’s improved defensive communication shut down several of their attempts. A long possession ended with Manual scoring to make it 8-6, but PRP answered immediately off an out-of-bounds play, extending their lead to 10-6.
The Lady Crimsons called a timeout, which helped shift momentum. Following the break, Cameron Brooks (#14, 10) scored to less the gap to 10-8. A three-pointer brought Manual closer to leading funollowed by a shot made by Young giving them their first lead, 13-12. PRP briefly got ahead, but Manual closed the quarter strong, scoring for a 16-14 advantage after a chaotic final 30 seconds.
PRP opened the second quarter fast, but Brooks snagged an airborne steal. PRP earned free throws and converted one to make the scare 17-16, then scored again for a 19-16 lead. Brooks responded at the line with two shots, tightening the score to 19-18 in the Panthers’ favor.
From there, Manual exploded offensively with three straight shots made, pushing them ahead 24-19. After a back-and-forth stretch, London Bibb (#20, 12) broke through, making the score 26-19. As PRP picked up more fouls, they began to struggle, widening the score gap as Kendall Hemmerle (#12,11) knocked down both free throws, extending Manual’s lead to 28-19.
As the first half came to an end, PRP called a timeout. They wasted no time scoring and earning free throws, only one of which was successful, extending their score to 28-22. Manual stayed in control with Pegues sinking two free throws for a 30-22 halftime lead.
Second Half:
PRP started off with the ball in the second half, but Manual struck first. Hemmerle scored back-to-back shots, stretching Manual’s lead 34-22. After a PRP free throw, Manual grabbed a steal, and Bibb finished the play.
PRP began to struggle at the line, missing multiple attempts, while Manual continued attacking. Even after more fouls, Manual answered with quick scoring to reach 39-25.
Manual duo Brooks and Hemmerle connected beautifully, with Hemmerle scoring off Brooks assists for a 41-25 lead. PRP added a point at the line before Manual scored again, making it 45-26.
After a timeout, PRP fouled again, with Hemmerle completing both. Young made two more shots, pushing the lead to 49-28. Manual tried a full-court connection from Young to Brooks, but the pass traveled high and PRP stole it just before the quarter ended.
PRP opened the fourth quarter by fouling, giving Bailey Fetcher (#35, 11) two shots at the line. Manual scored again and received another free throw for a commanding 55-28 lead.
After a timeout, both teams showed great energy, but PRP showed strong team chemistry on offense, backing each other up and scoring to reach 57-33. Manual responded with more free-throws, closing out a dominant second half.
Manual pulled away steadily after the first quarter, fueled by disciplined defense, strong free-throw shooting and standout performances from Hemmerle, Brooks, Bibb, Young and Pegues. PRP opened aggressively and had solid offensive moments, but foul trouble and Manual’s defensive adjustments ended with Manual firmly taking control of the game.
“We still got to figure out knocking out some kinks and working on our offense a little, but I’m excited about my young group to start clicking,” head coach Ashley Franklin said.
