Pettlon’s historic night leads to first-round win

Maryville girls basketball was able to survive and advance to the Class 4 District 16 Tournament Semifinals with a 67-42 win against Cameron Feb. 28.

As for the seniors — guard Anastyn Pettlon and forward Rylee Vierthaler — this is the last time they will ever play in front of a home crowd at Maryville High School.

“Yeah, it’s kinda crazy,” Pettlon said. “I am going to miss these girls and coaches a lot.”

“I don’t know if its really hit me yet, that that’s my last time ever playing here,” Vierthaler said. “I couldn’t have asked for more, to end on such a positive note.”

Along with this being the final home game of Pettlon’s career, she made her 224th career 3-pointer to break the program career 3-point record in the Feb. 28 district matchup against the Dragons (8-17), which was set by Kansas State standout and sophomore guard Serena Sundell.

“I’ve wanted it since my freshman year,” Pettlon said. “It’s been a goal forever and just getting that, it means a lot to me. My teammates were just working so hard to get me the ball all game, so that helped a lot.”

Despite Maryville (12-12) going on a 5-0 run from the opening tip, Cameron was able to climb back into it from the 3-point line as it took a 1814 lead heading into the second quarter. The Spoofhounds were able to cut into the deficit, going on a 10-0 run to close out the half. They went in front 33-24 and ultimately led the rest of the way.

Coach Kelly Obley said Cameron is a well-coached team, and the Dragons have been improving every game all year. She said she knew it was going to be a battle to get the opportunity to move on to the district semifinal.

“(The Dragons) run a lot of really good sets, and the girls worked hard to communicate through those, and then just the adjustment of getting those hands high on shooters and trying to take them out of their rhythm,” Obley said.

Pettlon led the way for the Spoofhounds with 24 points, six 3-pointers and five steals, as Vierthaler had a double-double with 12 points and

11 rebounds. Sophomore guard Jalea Price was doing it on both ends of the floor for the ’Hounds as she ended with 11 points and three steals. Sophomore forward Ryesen Stiens was also able to get in on the scoring, adding 9.

The ’Hounds were able to pull away from the Dragons in the second half, as they look to face off against Chillicothe (22-4) in the Class 4 District 16 Tournament Semifinals at 7:15 p.m. March 2 inside Benton High School in St. Joseph.

Maryville has lost to the Hornets twice this year by an average margin of 24 points per game. Vierthaler and Obley said they are not going to worry about the previous matchups, as they have their eyes set on one goal — a district championship.

“I think we’re going to figure out whichever defense, whichever offense works the best, and we are going to use that against them,” Vierthaler said. “Obviously, it is hard to beat a team three times, so we are just going to bring them all we got.”

“We are excited to get to play in a district semifinal,” Obley said. “We see the adjustments that we need to make — a couple defensive rotation things and boxing out and getting those rebounds for extra possessions.”