After a disappointing loss to Iowa-Grant, the North Crawford girls basketball team faced conference rival Kickapoo in the consolation game of the Quad County Classic Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Though North Crawford handled Kickapoo the first time they met, the Panthers were a bit more prepared this time. However, coming off a loss to visiting River Ridge, Kickapoo had to play again immediately, without rest. Kickapoo challenged the Trojans in the first half, but went to the locker room trailing 21-17.

Making a few adjustments, the Trojans came out of the locker room with a purpose and worked hard in the third quarter, ending with a lead of 36-22. In command, heading to the fourth quarter, the Trojans stretched their lead as senior MacKenzie Swiggum added 10 more points in the the final period. Mackenzie led all scorers with a game high 26 points and eight rebounds. The Trojans were not to be denied a win in the tournament, finishing the game in front with a score of 54-26.

Natasha Swiggum added 15 points and nine rebounds, while Bailey Stevenson contributed nine points, four rebounds and three steals. Sydney Stevenson and Olevia Kvigne both added two points and three rebounds each.

“We need a bench to give the girls a break during the game,” coach Mike Allbaugh said of the performance against Kickapoo. “They played two games today with no breaks. Kickapoo just ran out of gas at the end of the game. They had to play back-to-back games and that is tough. At least, we got a break between games. They will be a challenge to play a third time during regular season play. We have a break now until January 10, when we travel to Weston so it will be a good opportunity to fine tune our defense.”