The Lady Lions started the 2008 campaign on the road against an undefeated Southeast of Saline squad.  It wasn’t until the following Friday that Minneapolis played a home game against Ellsworth.

A slow start saw the Lady Lions down by four at the end of the first 6-10.  The second quarter was completed reversal and Minneapolis took a one point lead into the locker-room at half-time.  The third quarter was good offensively for both teams.  This lead to a SES 29-32 lead.  The Lady Lions could not get the ball to fall and the Lady Trojans keep shooting well.  It all ended in a 50-40 Minneapolis loss.

 “We had too many unforced turn-overs in the fourth quarter.  Rebounding was a big minus for us against SES.  It is something that we will continue to work on,” stated Coach Darrow.

The first home game did not help the slow start.  Minneapolis made only two shots the first quarter and committed six turnovers.  Fortunately, the Lady Lions played excellent defense, limiting the Lady Bearcats to four points.  The second quarter was another solid defensive quarter, but this quarter the pressure turned into points.  Minneapolis exploded for 18 points and extended the lead to 23-8 at half-time. 

The third and fourth quarters were consistent for the Lady Lions on the offensive end, which lead to a 50-33 victory.

“We still must be able to capitalize on the opponent’s turn-overs.  We forced 26 Ellsworth turn-overs, but then did not take advantage of them.  It really showed up in the first quarter when we would turn the ball right back to them.   The girls did a good job of rebounding this week and I am happy with their progress,” commented Coach Darrow.

The Lady Lions play Ellinwood at the Hoisington Tournament on Tuesday.  They play Thursday if they lose or Friday if they win, both at 6:30.