Cold Shooting Plagues Peotone in 26-15 Loss to Richards

PEOTONE — In a game defined by defensive intensity and offensive struggles, the Peotone Blue Devils could not overcome a difficult shooting night, falling to Richards 26-15.

The Blue Devils’ defense did its part, holding Richards to just 26 points and forcing numerous turnovers, but Peotone’s offense could not capitalize. The team shot just 14 percent from the floor (6-of-42) and struggled to find rhythm throughout the contest.

The game began as a tight defensive battle, with Richards holding a slim 6-5 advantage after the first quarter. However, the lid went on the basket for Peotone in the second quarter. The Blue Devils were held scoreless in the frame, allowing Richards to take a 10-5 lead into halftime despite managing only four points of their own.

Peotone’s offense showed signs of life in the third quarter, matching Richards with six points to keep the game within reach at 16-11 heading into the final period. However, the visitors pulled away in the fourth, outscoring the Blue Devils 10-4 to secure the victory.

Junior Callie Weiss led Peotone offensively with five points on 2-of-2 shooting inside the arc, while also contributing five rebounds. Senior Madi Schroeder added three points, connecting on the team’s lone 3-pointer of the night.

Despite the scoring drought, Peotone’s defensive effort was notable. Junior Payton Schnelle anchored the paint, recording a team-high six rebounds and three blocked shots. The Blue Devils were active in the passing lanes, tallying 13 steals as a team. Freshman Payton Pape led the defensive charge with three steals, while Schnelle, Schroeder, and freshman Gianna Pagliarulo added two steals apiece.

However, the rebounding battle and second-chance opportunities were difficult to come by, and turnovers (20) further limited Peotone’s chances to mount a comeback.

Peotone (25-26) will look to reset offensively as they prepare for their next matchup.

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Game Summary

Score by Quarters

Scoring Breakdown

• 1st Quarter: A defensive start sees Peotone trailing by a single point, 6-5.

• 2nd Quarter: The Blue Devils go cold, failing to score in the period, while holding Richards to just four points.

• 3rd Quarter: Offense picks up slightly as the teams trade baskets evenly (6-6).

• 4th Quarter: Richards finds a rhythm late, outscoring Peotone 10-4 to seal the low-scoring win.

Individual Statistics

SCORING:

• Peotone: Callie Weiss 5, Madi Schroeder 3, Payton Schnelle 2, Emma Orzel 2, Gianna Pagliarulo 2, Olivia Moe 1.

RUSHING/SHOOTING:

• Peotone: Team FG: 6-42 (14%); 3-Pt FG: 1-16 (6%); FT: 2-10 (20%).

• 3-Point Leaders: Madi Schroeder 1.

REBOUNDING:

• Peotone: Payton Schnelle 6, Callie Weiss 5, Addison Brandau 4, Olivia Moe 3, Payton Pape 2, Peyton Bisping 1, Madi Schroeder 1, Gianna Pagliarulo 1, K. Bettenhausen 1.

PASSING/MISC:

• Peotone Assists: Addison Brandau 1, Payton Pape 1.

• Peotone Steals: Payton Pape 3, Payton Schnelle 2, Madi Schroeder 2, Gianna Pagliarulo 2, Peyton Bisping 1, Addison Brandau 1, Callie Weiss 1.

• Peotone Blocks: Payton Schnelle 3, Payton Pape 1.