(ST. LOUIS, MO) Judging by its successful home finale Saturday night, the St. Louis Surge is certainly primed for its upcoming post-season in the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League (WBCBL).
Paced by a second-half explosion, the Surge powered its way to a 78-35 victory over Missouri Arch Angels at UMSL’s Mark Twain Building.
By dominating the visitors, 47-18, in the final two quarters, the Surge (9-1) finished its regular season with six straight wins and secured the top seed in the WBCBL’s Mid-West region playoff, set for this Saturday at UMSL.
The Surge posted a 16-4 advantage after one quarter as Leah Kassing, Lucy Cramsey and Jaleesa Butler set the tone in scoring.
Three-pointers from Katie Yohn and Rebecca Harris stretched the lead to 22-7 with 7:20 left in the half.
Missouri Arch Angels went on a 10-6 drive as the second quarter continued to keep the differential respectable, but the Surge’s Butler connected with a late-quarter three-pointer to help give the locals a 31-17 lead at intermission.
Up 33-21 in the early stages of the third quarter, the Surge went on an 11-0 run over a five-minute stretch. Devonna Smith converted a three-point play with 4:22 left in the third to extend St. Louis’ advantage to 44-21.
Ensuing buckets from Smith, Butler and Yohn pushed the Surge’s lead to 55-28 at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was earmarked by the solid, late-game efforts that have defined the Surge during its regular season. Cramsey hit a 20-footer to give St. Louis a 58-28 lead with 8:45 left in the game. She later converted a three-point play with 5:25 left to extend the margin to 67-30.
The Surge outscored Missouri Arch Angels, 23-7, in the fourth frame en route to the 78-35 victory.
Ten players recorded points in the local’s record book on the evening. Butler’s baker’s dozen was followed by 11 from both Smith and Cramsey.
For more information on the Surge, go to www.stlsurgebasketball.com.
SURGE SCORING: Jaleesa Butler 13, Devonna Smith 11, Lucy Cramsey 11, Leah Kassing 10, Bianca Beck 8, Rebecca Harris 7, Amber Dvorak 6, Katie Yohn 5, Hannah Weedman 4, Samantha Barber 3.
This game recap, and its respective featured image, was constructed via online coverage provided by the St. Louis Surge.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
