By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
It was a championship effort that didn’t result in an actual championship.
But no matter the odds or opponent, the Kickapoo Lady Chiefs always play to win.
“With this group, we get the best that they have every single day,” said Kickapoo coach Jim Pendergrass. “We’ve had that all year. That’s why we were able to improve and be successful. They believe they can beat anybody.”
Amid a spirited performance, Kickapoo lost 67-50 to the Incarnate Word Academy Red Knights on Friday afternoon at JQH Arena in the Class 6 girls Show-Me Showdown championship game.
Kickapoo battled to the end against Incarnate Word Academy, a private-school team filled with premier players from the St. Louis area.
“We’ve heard that (AAU) comparison quite a few times,” said Kickapoo senior Bella Fontleroy. “But it doesn’t matter to us: We’ll go up against anyone, any time and give it our best.”
The Lady Chiefs were within 28-21 at halftime, but the Red Knights began to pull away in the third quarter.
The Red Knights started the third on a 10-3 run and Kickapoo never got within single digits again.
“We had some spells were they would go on runs and those runs kind of build up,” Pendergrass said. “They make it very difficult on you with their length, size and speed. Everything’s just harder against them and they’re a very deep team.”
Fontleroy, a Baylor commit, led all players with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
The final outcome wasn’t for Kickapoo’s lack of effort.
Kickapoo forced Incarnate Word Academy into 15 turnovers and limited the Red Knights to 21-for-49 shooting from the field.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
“Even though we had some turnovers and things not go our way, we kept fighting until the very last possession,” Fontleroy said. “Even after our starting five subbed out, our next five came in and made shots. There’s nothing that will ever be able to take away our fight. I’m thankful for that.”
Saniah Tyler led four Incarnate Word Academy players in double figures with 24 points.
Incarnate Word Academy has now won 68 straight games and five consecutive state championships. Overall, the Red Knights have won a record 12 state championships.
“I feel like the target on our back helps us prepare for games like this,” said Red Knights coach Dan Rolfes. “We are everyone’s Super Bowl and we get everyone’s best shot, which in turn improves our team. It makes us better.
“When we get to this point of the season, it’s not a shock to us. It’s tough mentally, but challenges are good.”
Kickapoo graduates three seniors in Fontleroy, Turner and Kaya Goldsby. The trio helped Kickapoo reach back-to-back final fours and extend its district title streak to five.
“I was happy to be with this team because I’ve never been this far,” Goldsby said. “I was so excited to make (the final four) last year and this year because I got to do it with my friends and teammates.”
Fontleroy, who was named Gatorade Player of the Year in Missouri last week, leaves as perhaps the best player in Kickapoo’s prestigious history.
“I love this program,” Fontleroy said. “This team and the teams in the past, it’s been so special. We’ve pushed each other and held each other to high standards. The leader I am today, it wouldn’t be possible without the coaches and players around me.”
Pendergrass has ties to the Fontleroy family dating back to his college years at then-Southwest Missouri State.
“I’ve known (Bella) throughout her whole life,” Pendergrass said. “I haven’t had a lot of players like that. She might be the first. It’s meant a lot. To see her and our team succeed, it makes you proud.
“She’s nice. She’s kind. She’s a great person and leader. A lot of people who are great basketball players may not have the personality or characteristics you need. She has those things.”
Incarnate Word Academy 67, Kickapoo 50
Incarnate Word Academy 16 12 16 23 — 67
Kickapoo 13 8 9 20 — 50
Incarnate Word Academy (29-0 overall) – Saniah Tyler 24, Natalie Potts 15, Brooke Coffey 13, Violet McNece 11, Olivia Hahn 2, Kaylynn Janes 2
Kickapoo (28-4 overall) – Bella Fontleroy 25, Brooke Turner 12, Ariana Mosley 4, Kaya Goldsby 3, Delainey Wylie 2, Kya Johnson 2, Mikayla Pilley 2
