By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
The host Demons utilized an 11-4 fourth quarter to pick up their seventh win of the season Feb. 21, a 38-31 triumph over Delavan-Darien.
Burlington senior Ellen Stang, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, dominated both ends of the floor for 14 points and 15 rebounds. Ashlyn Barry added 12 points, four steals, five rebounds and four assists.
“Tough defense and playing together as a team were the keys to victory,” Stang said. “Also, our amount of energy helped us stay in the game and win it.”
Burlington coach Mary Parker said it was nice to get a win on Fan Night, as fans were recognized with raffles at the game.
“It was a huge win for us,” Parker said. “Hopefully, it will help us get a higher seed. We’re always a litte more tentative against a zone, but we picked it up in the second half.”
Burlington held a 13-11 halftime lead, and the game was tied at 31-31 early in the fourth quarter.
In the fourth, Barry hit a triple with 2:59 remaining that gave Burlington a 32-29 lead. They would never trail again.
Stang and Tegan Rock came up with clutch free throws, and the Demons’ defense clamped down, forcing tough shots and corralling defensive boards.
“We took the ball to the hoop and pushed in transition,” Parker said. “I was pleased that we executed once we took the lead. Any time you can hold a team to 31 points, it’s good. This is the first time we ran a zone. The girls were communicating, and we kept Delavan out of the lane.”
It was another night at the office for Stang, who leads the team with 11 points and 11 rebounds per game.
“Whether its on offense or defense, whenever a shot goes up, I predict where it will go and position myself for the rebound,” Stang said. “Also, being observant of where the ball is on defense helps me block and/or steal the ball. We have a great team, and when we all work together we are very successful.”
At last weekend’s WIAA playoffs seeding meeting, the Lady Demons (7-14) earned a No. 8 seed. They will host ninth-seeded Elkhorn (5-14) Tuesday, March 4, in a playoff opener.
Burlington split with Elkhorn during the regular season.
The Lady Demons will have the week off before Tuesday’s playoff game, while most other teams are finishing their seasons.
“I feel like we could make a little run,” Parker said. “We’re starting to get back into our flow. If we keep up the energy and intensity we had tonight, we can put a couple of wins together.”
If Burlington can get past Elkhorn Tuesday, it will have to travel to top-seeded Wilmot.
Westosha Central 56, Burlington 53
The Lady Demons finished their season with a hiccup Saturday night in Burlington.
The Falcons jumped out to a 24-16 halftime lead, but Burlington picked things up in the second half.
The Lady Demons reeled off a 10-5 third frame to get back into it, but they couldn’t catch Westosha in the end.
“We just ran out of time,” Parker said. “We waited too long to start to play aggressively. Turnovers really hurt us throughout the game. We did not have a sense of urgency from the start, and we dug ourselves too big of a hole.”
Stang led the way again with 16 points and 17 assists. Allie Aldrich added 10 points and four steals.
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