JH Lady Lions Place Second
by Leslie Baker
November 13, 2007
The Junior High Lady Lions started their season with a second place finish at the Minneapolis pre-season basketball tournament. On the first night of action the Lions took on the Republic County Buffaloes. The Lions won 37 to 14. Their defensive pressure held the Buffaloes to only 2 points in the first half. “I was extremely proud of how these girls came out aggressively in their press and kept Republic County from getting into any offensive rhythm,” stated Coach Baker. Scorers for the Lions were Ashlyn Macy 1, Kenzie Zimmerman 2, Kara Fraser and Jacy Crosson 3 each, Ally Steinbrock 5, Riley Baker 6, and Kelsie Paige 17.
On Tuesday evening, the Lady Lions took on the Beloit Trojans losing a hard fought battle 20 to 29. The Lions defensive pressure made the game close in the first half with a half time score of Lions 13, Trojans 12. However, Beloit began to break the Lions’ press and get the ball to inside scorer Englebert. The adjustments made at half time allowed the Lions to hold Englebert to only one more basket, but unfortunately the Beloit guards hit some critical shots from outside. “I was very pleased with our hustle, however we shot a dismal 12.5% for the game. We have to do a better job of putting the ball in the hole,” said Coach Baker. Scoring two points each were Fraser, Baker and Crosson. Paige had six and Steinbrock had eight.
The final game of the tournament was against the Sacred Heart Knights. The Lions defeated the Knights 51 to 3. The girls’ defensive pressure held the Knights to zero field goal shots for the entire game. “The girls tonight got after it on both ends of the court. They took the ball to the hole against the Knights man to man defense and defensively they were like swarming flies,” commented Coach Baker. Scoring for the Lions were Baker 2, Fraser and Zimmerman 4 each, Macy and Kelsie Paige 6 each, Katie Paige 8 and Steinbrock 21.
The Lions take on the Bennington Bulldogs on Monday and travel to Beloit on Thursday.
