In a rapid turn of events, the Solon girls’ basketball team capitalized on an opportunity to triumph over the sixth-ranked Regina in Class 2A, demonstrating a remarkable display of dominance.
The Spartans emerged victorious with a final score of 84-42, elevating their season record to 14-3, while the Regals fell to 14-4.
Callie Levin, the top scorer and a dedicated player for the University of Iowa, showcased her scoring prowess with a career-high 40 points, 18 of which were scored in the opening quarter.
“I knew that I could get to the rim and finish over some girls, so I just tried to get my team into a good place by attacking the basket and shooting while I’m open,” Levin stated.
The Solon team’s strong defensive performance complemented Levin’s exceptional shooting throughout the game, effectively disrupting the Regals’ offensive plays and creating scoring opportunities for the Spartans.
Solon’s robust defence limited Regina to 42 points, marking the second-lowest score for the Regals this season. Senior Mia Stahle, known for her consistent defensive contributions, further bolstered the team’s defensive line by displaying tenacity in securing loose balls and exploiting open passing lanes.
“We always pride ourselves on our defense. I think we ball pressured them really well and they weren’t ready for it,” Stahle shared. “That led to a lot of turnovers and steals which then eventually led to fast-break layups and baskets.”
The Spartans swiftly surged ahead by 22 points within the initial eight minutes and maintained their momentum throughout the game. Aside from Levin’s outstanding performance, Hailey Miller also had a remarkable outing with 15 points, while Stahle contributed 13 points.
The confidence-boosting victory on Saturday was a significant rebound for the Solon team after a challenging loss to Marion, the eighth-ranked team in Class 4A. Solon’s coach, Jamie Smith, emphasized the importance of returning to their fundamental strategies of fluid ball movement and dynamic offensive plays.
“When you have great ball movement, it often leads to great results,” Levin remarked. “The ball was flowing, which is so good. Anyone is a scorer on our team, anyone’s a threat, anyone can step up and hit the three and go to the rim.”
The reinvigorated ball movement and creative shot selections were indeed instrumental in securing Solon’s 14th victory of the season. The game served as a testament to the team’s collective ability and the diverse scoring potential among its players.
The Solon Spartans’ performance against Regina exemplified their resilience and determination to bounce back from recent setbacks, reaffirming their rightful place among the top contenders in their league.