JOHN DAY Grant Union fans got their moneys worth as the Lady Prospectors battled the Irrigon Knights for five quarters last Friday, Jan. 18, in John Day.

Mikeala Donohue had five pivotal blocks as she swatted anything that came her way, creating a formidable presence under the basket. Donahue led the Prospectors in rebounding, grabbing 10 boards.

Alex Stetsco and Hailey McConnell created pressure at the top of the key and picked the Knights pockets for five steals apiece, using suffocating man-to-man defense.

The action was high intensity as both teams pushed a high-tempo, transition offense. The crowd came to its feet repeatedly to watch the teams exchange points, fouls and steals for several quarters.

At one point, four Prospectors were on the floor scrapping for a loose ball, while only one Irrigon player had time to hit the deck.

The teams were swapping leads entering the fourth quarter, hinting that the game could bring yet another down-to-the-wire finish.

With 3:27 left in the fourth quarter, Irrigon had a 4-point advantage but Stetsco picked the Knights point guard, converted a layup and later a couple of free throws to leave the Prospectors down by just 1.

With 1:07 remaining in the fourth, Irrigon`s coach called a full timeout to slow the Pros momentum. The refs had trouble communicating with the desk over the roar of the crowd, anticipating the remaining 48 seconds.

Sarah Wright gave the Prospectors a 2-point advantage after converting at the line with under a minute to go.

Irrigon pushed the ball down the court quickly and hit a short, running jumper to tie the game 51-51 with 16 seconds remaining.

As the time elapsed, both teams had opportunities to score, but couldn`t find the bottom of the net, putting the Pros into their second overtime period of the season.

In overtime, Irrigon jumped out to a quick 3-point advantage.

McConnell started off the Prospectors with a mid-court steal, and earning a trip to the line that brought the Prospectors to within one.

As Stetsco dove for her second steal in overtime, the Prospectors started to surge.

With tough defense from McConnell, the Prospectors picked up a couple of easy buckets and cut the Knight lead to 56-55 with 59 seconds remaining.

With Irrigon in double-bonus, the Knights hit six consecutive free throws and a short jump shot to claim the win, 64-55.

The breakdown

Donohue 10 points, Houser 10, Wright 9, Mosley 9, Stetsco 9

McConnell and Stetsco led the Prospectors with 5 steals, and Donohue topped the charts with 10 boards.

Weston-McEwen

Back in action last Saturday, Jan. 19, the Lady Prospectors took a tough loss to Weston-McEwen in Athena, 22-45.

Grant Union couldnt seemt to develop an inside presence. The girls were outrebounded, giving up second-chance points.

Both squads started strong and traded buckets early in the game.

Weston-McEwen built a lead midway throught the game and continued to pull away in the final quarters.

Grant Union is regrouping for a home game at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25 against Pilot Rock. Then they host Elgin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26.