Timberwolves edge Rams in dramatic 54-52 thriller

ALTON — In a game featuring multiple lead changes and a charged atmosphere that kept fans on their feet until the final buzzer, the Prospect Mountain Timberwolves edged the Raymond Rams, 54-52, on Wednesday night in a Division III varsity girls basketball thriller.

The contest unfolded as a tale of two halves. After falling behind 6-2 early in the first quarter, the Timberwolves settled in and controlled the tempo for the remainder of the half. Prospect Mountain carried a nine-point advantage into the break, leading 27-18 at halftime, sparked by Madelyn Howlett’s hot shooting as she scored 10 first-half points.

Raymond responded with a surge in the third quarter, outscoring Prospect Mountain 25-11 to take a five-point lead entering the fourth. Rams Center No. 22 Meadow-Miah Mitchell led the charge with 11 points in the period, shifting momentum in Raymond’s favor.

The Timberwolves regrouped in the final frame, responding with poise and defensive intensity. Prospect Mountain outscored the Rams 16-9 in the fourth quarter and reclaimed the lead with under two minutes remaining. Junior guard No. 0 Kourtney Kaplan delivered a clutch performance down the stretch, totaling nine points, three assists, and two steals in the final quarter to seal the come-from-behind victory.

Prospect Mountain’s resilience proved decisive against a strong and physical Raymond squad, as the Timberwolves closed out the narrow 54-52 win.

With the victory, Prospect Mountain improved to 11-3 in Division III play and remains firmly in playoff contention.