Basketball Recap: Elizabeth Vankley's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Kouts over Westville

Kouts lost against Westville back in December of 2023, and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Tuesday. The Kouts Mustangs & Fillies lost to the Westville Blackhawks at home by a 56-37 margin. While losing is never fun, the Mustangs & Fillies can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Indiana basketball rankings (they are ranked 267th, while the Blackhawks are ranked 22nd).

Kouts' defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Elizabeth VanKley, who posted six points and five rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Alyssa Twedt, who earned four points along with five rebounds and three steals.

Westville got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Hillary Labis out in front who dropped a double-double on 20 points and 15 boards. That makes it three consecutive games in which Labis has scored at least a third of Westville's points. Another player making a difference was Andrea Benefield, who went 9 of 17 on her way to 21 points in addition to seven boards and three blocks.

Kouts dropped their record down to 3-6 with the loss, which was their third straight at home. As for Westville, the win keeps them at an undefeated 8-0.

Kouts will be playing in front of their home fans against DeMotte Christian at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. DeMotte Christian's defense has only allowed 27 points per game this season, so Kouts' offense will have their work cut out for them. As for Westville, they will host Boone Grove at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Westville knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 55 points or more in their past eight contests -- so hopefully Boone Grove likes a good challenge.