Maconaquah Schools

The Lady Braves participated in their second sectional championship in as many years, this time facing the host school, Western. Earlier in the season, on January 15, the Braves had defeated Western 69-36 during their "Braves vs Cancer" event. Fueled by a strong turnout from Brave supporters, the Lady Braves entered the game with high energy. However, the Western Panthers were equally prepared, using the Braves press against themself to score easy baskets and adding pressure with a successful three-pointer. Despite this, Ireland Kile's impressive performance, scoring 8 of her game-high 27 points, helped the Braves maintain their momentum. The Braves' accurate shooting resulted in six successful two-point field goals out of eleven attempts, and their aggressive defense forced eight turnovers, leading to additional points. At the end of the quarter it was the Braves leading 12-11. In the second quarter, the Lady Braves found their rhythm from beyond the arc, sinking three three-pointers. Delaney Betzner contributed significantly, making two of these shots. Kile continued her scoring streak with another 8 points, including a thrilling 35-foot buzzer-beater, giving the Braves a 28-20 lead at halftime. During halftime, the Braves strategized to neutralize Western's tactics and emphasized the importance of continued rebounding in the second half. The third quarter showcased the Braves' defensive prowess, limiting Western to just 4 points and shutting down their leading scorer, Walden, who was held scoreless after scoring 10 points in the first half. The Braves out-rebounded Western 9-5 and outscored them 14-4 in the quarter. Kile added 10 more points, and Averie Maiben contributed a crucial three-pointer off the bench. Entering the final quarter with a 42-24 lead, the Braves maintained their defensive focus, holding Western to just 1 point until a last-second shot brought their total to 3 points for the quarter. The Braves scored 15 points in the final quarter, with contributions from five different players. Game Highlights: Averie Maiben delivered her best performance of the season, excelling in defense and contributing offensively. The Braves out-rebounded the Panthers by 3 and held them to 0.43 points per possession. With a decisive 57-27 victory, the Lady Braves claimed back-to-back sectional championships. Player Stats: Ireland Kile: 27 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal Delaney Betzner: 10 points, 2 rebounds, 4 deflections, 4 steals Averie Maiben: 6 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists Kasey Murry: 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal Aubrey Stoll: 4 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 7 deflections, 4 steals Aubrey Kaiser: 4 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 deflections, 1 steal Addie Maiben: 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals Some stats from the the three games in the sectionals: Free Throws: 43-53 = 81% 3FG: 20-65 = 31% Assist: 13 APG Opponents Scoring: 36.3 Offensive Rebounding: +4 Causing More Turnovers: +11 Looking ahead, the Lady Braves will compete in the 3A Regional at Lapel against Connersville (19-7) on Saturday, February 14, with a 4:00 pm tipoff. The Lady Braves express their gratitude to everyone who supported them throughout the sectional. Brave Nation's energy made Saturday night feel like a home game. Hoping for more Braves to make the trip down to Lapel on Saturday, February 14. The Lady Braves will be introduced at the Boy's varsity halftime this Tuesday against Carroll as the 2026 Sectional Back-2 Back Champions, please come out and support the boys and showing the girls your Brave Pride.