The GHS girls basketball team is overflowing with confidence ahead of its final game of the regular season.
The Cowboys added to their four-game win streak with a victory over Aspen on Feb. 22, moving the team’s overall record to 15-7. The girls sit third place in the 3A Western Slope League with a record of 10-3, and are No. 17 in the state on the eve of the postseason.
But before tip-off at the regional tournament, the Cowboys will seek redemption against league rivals Roaring Fork at home this weekend. The Rams currently sit second in the league, and narrowly defeated Gunnison 54-46 in early February. Head Coach Chad Terry said the game presents a final test for the team before regionals.
“The girls are excited to play another really strong team,” he said. “It was a close game last time around, and we played well the whole game. It should be a great opportunity for us to prepare for postseason play.”
The Cowboys relied on their strong defense against league opponents Aspen on Feb. 22. GHS held the Skiers to a single point in the first quarter, thanks to three blocks from senior captain Kylee McDougal, and three steals apiece from Maria Sabas and Yaslin Hernandez. Senior Sienna Gomez added key buckets inside the paint in the second quarter, and the Cowboys sped away to a 14-3 lead.
Despite a slow first half on offense, the girls started to shake the rust in the third quarter. Hernandez added six points to her tally, while juniors Ashlyn Cowan and Kaylee Vincent raked in six points each coming off the bench. Deep into the game, the Cowboy underclassmen polished off the contest with consistent defense and ambition around the rim. Sophomores Brooke Terry and Althea Stansbery added shots to the Cowboy score, and secured the 40-10 win.
Gomez paved the way for the Cowboys with a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double. McDougal led the attack with five assists, while Hernandez earned eight rebounds, and three steals on defense.
“This is our last season together, and we’ve played together for the last six or seven years,” McDougal said. “It’s obvious on the court that we are comfortable playing together. We’ve put time in together during the offseason, and we’ve built up that chemistry.”
The Cowboys will put their four-game win streak to the test against league powerhouse Roaring Fork on March 1. The matchup presents an ideal opportunity for GHS to earn a higher seed and even more momentum ahead of the big dance.
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@gunnisontimes.com.)
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here