Peotone Rallies Past Reed-Custer in 38-36 Thriller

PEOTONE — In a game defined by defensive intensity and a second-half surge, the Peotone Blue Devils fought their way back from a halftime deficit to edge the Reed-Custer Comets, 38-36, on December 8.

The contest began as a defensive grind, with both teams struggling to find the bottom of the net in the opening frame. Reed-Custer emerged with a slim 5-3 lead after the first quarter. The Comets managed to extend their advantage in the second quarter, outscoring the Blue Devils 15-12 to take a 20-15 lead into the halftime break.

Peotone came out of the locker room with renewed energy in the third quarter. The offense produced its best output of the night, pouring in 16 points to chip away at the Comets’ lead. Despite the surge, Reed-Custer managed 12 points of their own, holding a precarious 32-31 advantage heading into the final eight minutes.

The fourth quarter turned into a defensive battle, but Peotone executed when it mattered most. The Blue Devil defense clamped down, limiting Reed-Custer to just four points in the final frame. Peotone scored seven points down the stretch—enough to secure the hard-fought two-point victory.

Freshman point guard Payton Pape led the Blue Devils with a team-high 9 points, showing poise from the free-throw line where she converted 3 of 4 attempts. Senior leadership also played a key role, with Peyton Bisping and Mallory Schroeder adding 6 points each. Bisping provided a spark from beyond the arc, draining two three-pointers, while Schroeder contributed across the board with a three-pointer, a field goal, and a free throw.

Junior Olivia Moe added 5 points, while seniors Addison Brandau and juniors Payton Schnelle each chipped in 4 points. Callie Weiss and freshman Giana Pagliarulo rounded out the scoring with 2 points apiece.

For Reed-Custer, junior A. Wollenzien was a force, leading all scorers with 14 points and 7 rebounds. However, the Comets struggled from the charity stripe, shooting just 42 percent (10-for-24), which proved costly in the close decision.

Peotone (25-26 season) will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup.

Game Summary

Score by Quarters

Scoring Drives

• 1st Quarter: A defensive stalemate resulted in a low-scoring opening, with Reed-Custer taking a 5-3 lead.

• 2nd Quarter: Reed-Custer found some offensive rhythm, scoring 15 points to Peotone’s 12, taking a 20-15 lead at the half.

• 3rd Quarter: Peotone’s offense exploded for a game-high 16 points, cutting the deficit to a single point (32-31).

• 4th Quarter: The Blue Devil defense held the Comets to just 4 points while scoring 7 to secure the comeback win.

Individual Statistics

SCORING:

• Peotone: Payton Pape (9), Peyton Bisping (6), Mallory Schroeder (6), Olivia Moe (5), Addison Brandau (4), Payton Schnelle (4), Callie Weiss (2), Giana Pagliarulo (2).

• Reed-Custer: A. Wollenzien (14), Kamryn Wilkey (7), H. Liebermann (7), Atiana Hood (3), Morgan Toler (2), Anastasia Smith (2), B. Gonzalez (1).

SHOOTING:

• Peotone: 3 3PM (Bisping 2, Schroeder 1); 5-8 FT (63%).

• Reed-Custer: 11-46 FG (24%); 4-14 3PT (29%); 10-24 FT (42%).