It was a frustrating night at home for the Washington Demons, as both the girls and boys dropped their respective contests to Keokuk, the girls falling 49-41, and the boys 78-42.
The girls came into Friday’s contest seeking to break a 22-game, 11-year long losing streak to Keokuk. At first, it seemed like this would be that fateful game, with the Demons trading baskets and leading near the end of the first quarter, 16-13. However, senior guard Adalyn Long would come down awkwardly after going up for a 3-pointer to end the quarter, and would have to leave the game with an injury to her right leg.
Without their leading scorer and ball handler, the Demons struggled heavily in the second quarter. Keokuk took full advantage of the situation, building up a lead that at times ventured into double-digits. Washington was able to bring it back to 7 before the halftime break.
Having gathered themselves a bit during the intermission, the Washington girls ran step-for-step with the Chiefs, but were unable to get baskets during key possessions. Keokuk did just enough to keep the Demons from getting too close, and time eventually ran out on Washington, as they lost their 23rd consecutive game to the Chiefs, 49-41.
After the game, Washington head coach Colin Mulford said the girls showed fight. “You could tell our girls wanted it. In that first half, I didn’t see a ton, but in that second half, I’m really proud of how we played in the second half. We battled, I think we kept making runs here and there. We were down by 13 at one point in that second half, and then cut it down to around to maybe 5. So super proud of how we battled in that second half especially.
Senior forward Addison Miller stepped up in the second half, putting down 10 points to lead Washington. Reagan Miller added 8 to the cause. Keokuk had all four of their scorers in double-digits, and were led by Kendra Boatman’s 15. Washington drops to 2-1 on the season and 0-1 in SEC play. Keokuk is 1-1 and 1-0 in the conference.
The Washington boys faced a real tough test in the Chiefs, with Keokuk returning their 6’10” center Jaxon Clark for his senior season. The Demons were outsized and outmatched, as the needed pressure on Clark opened up shots and lanes for the other Keokuk players.
Washington fell quickly behind, and trailed at the half 46-14. Much like the girls games, the boys were then able to steady the ship a bit in the third and fourth quarters, with a game plan that drew Clark away from the paint and allowed Washington’s guards to attack the rim a bit more, but the damage had really already been done. The Chiefs cruised to a 78-42 victory.
Head coach Collin Stark says despite things not going Washington’s way tonight, the program is still off to a great start for the season. “You know, just in the big picture, our program in general is 5-1. Where our freshman and JV today played extremely well again. So it’s just where, that’s really where I want to look at. You know as well, you know varsity is where it really matters, but at the same time, 5-1 is a successful week. And we’re looking to, you know, hopefully next week goes 6-0.”
Drew Conrad led the Demons in scoring with 14. Rajan Roth and Nic Stone both reached double-digits once again, with 12 and 11 respectively. Jaxon Clark led the Chiefs with 28 points. Senior Chayse Smith scored 15 points in the second quarter to give him 17 for the night. Washington is now 1-1 and 0-1 in the SEC. Keokuk, who were making their season debut, is now both 1-0 overall and in the conference.