Perry rallied to close to within one possession on two separate occasions in the fourth quarter, but were unable to take a lead and eventually fell, 53-42, to visiting ADM in Raccoon River Conference girls basketball Friday.
The hosts entered the fourth quarter trailing, 37-32, but scored five of the next seven points to trim their deficit to 39-37 three minutes into the frame. Perry (2-15, 0-10) was within 44-41 with three minutes still on the clock, but ADM (7-10, 6-4) went on a 7-2 run to seal the victory.
The Jayettes trailed, 11-8, after one period but were able to rally several times from five or six points down to keep the game in range and trailed only 25-23 at the half.
Emma Jacobsen started the third quarter for ADM by burying a wide-open 3-pointer, then scored from exactly the same spot on the next possession as the Tigers opened their biggest lead.
Perry refused to go away, and fought back to make the game competitive until the final moments, when the offense went cold and the guests were able to slip off with the win. The teams were nearly even in most categories, including free throws, with Perry sinking 14-of-23 at the line and ADM 12-of-24.
The game was dubbed “Coaches vs. Cancer” night, and several activities were held in conjunction with the theme. Kirk VanKirk addressed the crowd between games on his own personal battle with cancer, urging those who knew someone with the disease to serve as sources of support. A bucket brigade collected donations for the fight against cancer, with ADM donning all-pink uniforms in honor of the designation.
Abbie Hlas led ADM with 18 points, with Delany Bertman adding 13 points and Jacobsen 10. Anna Kenny added six points, Rachel Hardy four and Kristin Baier two.
Molly Lutmer led all scorers with 19 points, with Grace Stewart adding 11 for Perry. Alyssa Kruger finished with eight points, with Gabby West adding three and Isabel Saemisch one.
Perry will host Winterset Tuesday before visiting Ballard Friday.
