Kankakee Valley High School

Last night after several schedule changes in the last month, the KV Lady Kougar C Team welcomed an unfamiliar foe into the Den. South Bend St Joseph's C Team traveled to Wheatfield so that both teams could get another game of experience under their belts before the season comes to an end. Early in the 1st quarter, the Lady Huskies jumped out fast but the young Kougar squad fought back to be within 1 point at the close of the period (8-9). In the 2nd frame, KV's defense would hold their opponent to just 4 points and take a lead, 16-13, into halftime. During intermission, the ladies were challenged to come out more aggressive than the first half and extend the lead. The Kougars did just that and responded with 5 players scoring off a 1-3-1 trapping defense to outscore SBSJ 16-9. They would take a 10 point lead into the final frame, 32-22. The Lady Huskies had used a full court trap defense from the tip off that the Lady Kougars had managed to overcome for the first 3 quarters. South Bend was able to increase that pressure in the fourth to force the Kougars into some untimely turnovers resulting in a 14-4 run by the visitors. At the end of regulation the score was knotted at 36. For the first time this year, we would play free basketball! In OT, it came down to one basket (4-6). The Lady Kougars would fall 42-40 in the season finale for the C-Team. For the first time this year, all 7 rostered players would make a mark in the scorebook. The team was led by Riley Jones 12, Tinley Van Meter 8, Brooklyn Whitt 6, Laney Walstra 5, Maci Schoon 4, and Lindsey Crowley 1. Aubree Bristol (out since 12/8/25) made her return from injury with limited playing time to round out the scoring with 4 points along with some great hustle plays. Overall the team finished 5-3 on the season against a very tough schedule of larger schools. This young team has grown immensely since October while adjusting to the speed and strength of high school basketball. They should be proud of the work and effort they have put in this year. These ladies have great potential to make an impact on the KVHS Girls Basketball Program in the future. And they are not done yet--as this group of Lady Kougars will continue to participate in the remaining JV games on the schedule to gain more experience as well as help prepare the Varsity team for the pending IHSAA tournament. Keep working! Thank you ladies! Coach K, as well as Coaches -Waltra, Sampson, Trenton, Ginzer and Brooke, are extremely proud of you. #futureisbright #fearthepaw