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Ladycats
The Ladycats wrapped up the regular season with two games last week.
They faced the Villa Madonna Vikings at home last Monday. Coach Jenna O’Hara changed the line up for the game and started her four seniors and Saniah Thomas against the Vikings.
The Ladycats came out of the coin toss ready to play as seniors Maggie Burgemier and Karliegh Prater were the offensive force for the Ladycats. The two accounted for nine points of the first quarter scoring.
The Ladycats never looked back and held the lead the entire game as the post Saniah Thomas and Cara Stewart controlled the lane and didn’t allow the Lady Vikings to get off any clear shots.
The Ladycats sealed away a 52-15 win on the night.
Wednesday was a physical game against Fleming County that would have been better served on a WWE matchcard. Both teams went at each other with the Ladycats only able to post four points in the first quarter while giving up nine. The game verged right on the precipice of being a blowout before halftime.
However the Ladycats fought back hard late in the second quarter, led in scoring by Cara Stewart who was able to work her post drive against the Lady Panthers. At half, the Ladycats found themselves down by only six and right back in the game.
The second half was just as physical as the first and the officials were not shy about blowing their whistles; in fact, the game ended with 43 fouls called.
The game stayed close and then in the fourth quarter, Saniah Thomas erupted for 10 points in the fourth quarter as the Ladycats posted a total of 22.
Cailyn Harper came off the bench to provide some good offensive minutes, swishing a three in the waning minutes. She also had the game’s final shot, but was forced to shoot an off-balance three that fell just wide and the Ladycats fell 47-44.
The JV team picked up two wins last week to end a very strong season. The Ladycats were led in scoring against Villa by Katelin Aulick with 10 and Allison Aulick with nine points.
Against Fleming County the Ladycats were in control, but the game didn’t have that “safe” feeling as the Ladycats never put Fleming County away and fought right to the end. Cailyn Harper led the team with 14 points followed by Allison Aulick with 11 points for the Ladycats 52-47 win.
In looking back and reflecting on the season, Coach O’Hara commented, “I was so grateful we were able to have a season. We had a great group of girls and also some very flexible parents. We had two goals going into the season--one, of having a winning season and two, to make it to the regional; tournament. We ended our season with a winning record at 12- 10 the first time that has happened since the 2014-15 season.
Looking ahead, we are prepared for districts and to take on Nicholas County. As a team, we have gone through the scouting reports and we have practiced what we need to do. Nicholas relies on their guards to score and Gifford in the paint. I feel going into the game we are prepared and can do this.”
The Ladycats will face Nicholas County in the first round of district play on March 16, 7 p.m. at Nicholas County.