For the Rapids City Times

PORT EDWARDS – The Blackhawks pulled out a close one Dec. 21, holding off the Penguins in a close one, 41-35.  It was also alumni night at Port Edwards where the Blackhawks celebrated any alumni in attendance at halftime, with a social after the game.

The Blackhawks jumped out to a lead early in the first half, but the Penguins came back to tie the game at 23 going into halftime.  The first half saw only five called fouls and five free throws shot between the two teams.  The second half was different story, where both teams were in the double bonus with about six minutes to go in the game and saw 31 free throws being shot.  Neither team shot real well in the second half, as the Blackhawks were only seven of 33 from the field and only two of 12 from the free throw line.  The Penguins didn’t fare any better as they only connected on two field goals and were eight of 19 from the free throw line.

Leading all scorers was Kaitlyn Lyp of Port Edwards with 15 points; teammate Jade Martin added nine. The Blackhawks were four of 14 from the free throw line and had three 3-pointers, one each by Brynna Hawk, J. Martin and Taylor Martin.

Allie Booth led Tri-County with eight points, followed by Alyssa Buechner with seven. The Penguins were 10 of 22 from the charity stripe and had one 3-pointer by Buechner.

With the win the Blackhawks close out 2018 with a .500 record at 4-4, and are 3-1 in conference play.  They are next in action on Jan. 4, when they travel to Gresham to take on the Wildcats in a non-conference game.