By Brian McKim
The Falls City Tiger girls basketball team finished the 2017-18 campaign with a 10-14 record after losing eight straight games to begin the season. The Lady Tigers had won four in a row before having their season come to an end at the hands of the Fairbury Jeffs in sub-district play 45-43.
“We had a tough start to the season, but the girls did a great job of bouncing back after Christmas break,” said Coach Max Milam. “Seniors Meredith Poppe, Rylee Scholl, Elle Findlay and Sophia Gilsdorf’s leadership was key in keeping us focused on what we needed to do to get better every day.”
For the year the Tigers held a significant rebounding advantage over their foes 746-516. Falls City connected on just 34 percent of their shot attempts for their while their opponents hit at 40 percent.
On the season the Tigers were outscored 946 to 925 by their counterparts. Individually Hannah Clary led the Tigers with 208 points for an average of 8.7 ppg. Hannah Kirkendall was right behind with 143 total points for a 6.8 ppg. average. Rylee Scholl averaged 6.6 ppg. while scoring 152 total points and Meredith Poppe had 154 points for a 6.4 ppg. average. Elle Findlay added 110 points for a 4.6 average, and Ellicyn Gilkerson put up 4.1 ppg. and 90 total for the season. Kirkendall was tops on the boards for FC with 146 while Clary and Poppe right behind with 145 and 143. Scholl added 99 and Findlay had 91. Scholl was the top playmaker for the Tigers with 57 assists while Poppe was one back with 56. Gilkerson was the top shooter behind the arc hitting 18-57 and Poppe was next with 7-36. Scholl was the top free throw shooter for FC converting 50-67 attempts while Poppe made 43-69. Clary was next with 45-107. As a team, the Tigers made 202-382 from the foul line for 53 percent.
“The underclassmen really stepped up and made a huge impact on our team. Sophomore Hannah Clary led the team in scoring, junior Hannah Kirkendall led in rebounding, and Ellicyn Gilkerson was our best three-point threat. I would like to thank our seniors for everything they have meant to our program; you will be missed. I think we have a talented group coming back and I am looking forward to next year. Go Tigers!,” said coach Milam.
