GIRLS HOOPS: Wheelers survive see-saw battle with AHST

Anthofer’s late heroics help lead Audubon past Lady Vikes 49-48 

By Drew Herron - AJ Sports Editor / Jan. 24, 2014

AUDUBON – If they are to face the Wheelers again this season, perhaps AHST will pay more attention to Haillie Anthofer.

The senior finished with 15 points, including the game’s final five, to help lift Audubon past AHST 49-48 in thrilling fashion Friday (Jan. 24).

With AHST so committed to keeping a lid on the Wheeler’s top scorer Susie Bylund, Anthofer exploited the holes in the Lady Vike’s double-coverage of Bylund, and took charge of the situation as only a senior could.

Anthofer forced two steals in the waning moments, hauled in three boards, knocked down a go-ahead lay-up, and sank the game-winning free throw (with 2.4 seconds left) to help steer the Wheelers back into the win column.

“Haillie wanted the ball in her hands, and she took it to the basket,” Audubon coach Kim Subbert said. “I was real pleased to see the way she stepped up tonight, and that’s something we are going to need to see more of.”

Anthofer’s late heroics capped off a wild ride that saw Audubon lead by as much as 10 points early in the fourth quarter.

However, after Bylund dropped in a lay-up 20 seconds into the fourth to push Audubon ahead 40-30, the Wheelers got stuck in the mud.

Turnovers mounted, including four straight possessions up-court as AHST threatened to quell the momentum with a more resourceful effort on defense. Soon, AHST’s Danikah Grobe reentered the game (shelved on account of foul trouble) and started raining 3-pointers from in front of the Lady Vike’s bench.

Over the final two-and-a-half minutes, the game was tied or the lead changed hands three times. Down the stretch, free throws of course played out to be crucial.

Audubon hit 25-of-32, while AHST struggled at 6-for-21.

“It was good to see us come back,” coach Subbert says. “On the negative side, we turned the ball over way too much. We just didn’t take care of it.”

Turnovers have been a bug-a-boo all season for the Wheelers, who will continue to hash it out in practice. Most of it now, seems to be more mental than anything. That goes for handling the basketball as well as recognizing the opportunities you are given.

“We just need to make better decisions with the basketball,” coach Subbert says. “At one time, they’ve got two players on Susie…well that means that it’s basically four-on-three elsewhere on the court. We need to make the most of those opportunities.”