News Progress

Photo by Keith Stewart
Members of Sullivan's girls' basketball team Elissa Stewart (left) and Brittin Boyer (right) celebrate after Maggie Plank (center) hit the buzzer beater, earning the Lady Red a 69-68 win over Central A&M Thursday evening.

Neuhauser adds 21, Boyer 16 in nail biter
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
As Sullivan’s Maggie Plank described it, “Why not?”
Despite a less than stellar first half, the Sullivan senior took over beginning in the third, when she scored eight points, three rebounds, and a timely steal, helping to pull her team within two of Central A&M.
And who else would the game come down to other than the senior?
But Plank had to be relied upon earlier with just 12.2 seconds left in the game when a foul sent her to the line for two. Down 65-67, Plank hit both shots, of course.
But then a foul immediately after sent A&M’s Ryan Dooley to the line. There, she made one of her two shots, leaving 10 seconds left for the Lady Red to make something happen.
Elissa Stewart sprinted up court and dished the ball to Emily Neuhauser, who went for the throat with a 3-pointer that ultimately fell short. But out of nowhere, it was none other than the senior who grabbed the offensive board and then threw it right back up.
Why not?
Plank’s determination paid off when her last ditch effort went in, earning Sullivan a tough 69-68 victory over the Lady Raiders Thursday night. She along with Neuhauser’s 21 point and Brittin Boyer’s 16 point performances go to show that so often it’s not what someone does, so much as when they do it.
“I can’t speak enough about her,” said head coach Sheri McCain of Plank. “She just came through with that senior leadership. It was her night. It was a magical moment for her. She deserved it.” Read More