QND girls use experience to fend off Palmyra’s youthful, talented squad

December 15, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor

Quincy Notre Dame's Haley Schertel, center, drives the left baseline and scores before either Palmyra's Taytum White, left, or Candra King can cut her off during Tuesday night's game at the Pit. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The edge in experience led to his team’s 60-32 victory Tuesday night at the Pit, but Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball coach Eric Orne took note of the abundance of young talent Palmyra put on the floor.

It’s a reason for trepidation in the years to come.

“They’re going to be a load,” Orne said. “They’re well-coached. They have some young kids that are going to be true stars here in our area for years to come.”

The difference right now is Palmyra doesn’t have an Abbey Schreacke.

Playing with coaches from five NCAA Division I programs — Illinois, Bradley, Illinois State, Drake and Northern Iowa — in attendance to specifically watch her play, Schreacke scored a game-high 28 points and had to play through some uncharacteristic struggles in the first half.

That included missing both attempts on her first trip to the free-throw line.

“She centered herself,” said Orne, whose team is ranked second in Class 2A with a 9-0 record. “During one of the timeouts, I said to her, ‘Let’s play good defense. Let’s let the game come to you.’ Once she let that happen, she settled in.”

So did her teammates. Leading 35-23 at halftime, the Raiders held the Panthers to just seven points in the third quarter and were able to turn defense into offense. Lia Quintero, Sage Stratton and Haley Schertel each hit a 3-pointer following a steal or missed Palmyra shot that was forced.

“In the second half, with our half-court trap, we were able to separate ourselves,” Orne said. “We did some good things, and it allowed us to get into some better offensive sets.”

Schreacke scored nine points in the third quarter, but five other players scored in the 25-7 run.

Stratton finished with 10 points, but no one else had more than six.

“We have to find some better balance,” Orne said. “I’m happy with the face we’re winning ballgames, but I’m worried that until we find some better balance we’re in danger of losing some games.”

Sydney Compton led Palmyra (5-2) with 11 points, while Jansen Juette added seven.