Sesser-Valier takes MWC championship

By Bruce A. Fasol

Rick Metcalf has always been known as a good basketball coach. He was a college assistant at Murray State University. As head boys varsity basketball coach at Sesser-Valier and Vienna he also achieved much success.

Some of that success came when he coached the Red Devil boys team to West Frankfort Mid-Winter Classic basketball titles in the 90’s. Now, Metcalf has become the answer to a trivia question. He is the first person to coach boys and girls teams to MWC titles.

The Lady Red Devils knocked off Herrin 61-54 Thursday night to win the 2013 crown. But, it was not easily accomplished. Sesser-Valier had to dig themselves out of a 15 point hole in the very first quarter. But, they didn’t panic and slowly cut the Lady Tiger lead. Rachel Marlo flipped the “on” switch in the second quarter scoring 15 points by herself in the frame to lead the come back. They not only caught the Tigers but passed them in that memorable frame. Marlo hit two 3-point shots in the final half minute to give Sesser-Valier a bucket lead at the break.

In the second half, Herrin fought back but could come no closer than 5 points. Abby Horn put the team on her back scoring 8 straight points at one juncture of the fourth quarter. However, SV held off the Lady Tigers for the championship.

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