Lady Cats finish 2nd in 80th Archie Tournament
By RICHARD HETTINGER
Our 4th seeded Lady Cats started a little slow last Monday against the 5th seeded Ballard Lady Bulldogs but were able to record a 28 to 16 lead by half time none the less.
The first high light noticed in the second half was a nice block out by Vlieger and a defensive rebound and on the next possession, Freeman, not to be out done, blocked out one the defensive glass, rebounded and took the ball the entire length of the floor for the first score of the second half. After many more great possessions, the score quickly went to Drexel 43 and Ballard 18 with 2:20 left in the 3rd. The final frame begins with Gunnels scoring from 12 feet is fouled “and 1”. Williams and Kendrick each get a put back, then Kaufman with a steal and coast to coast for 2. Kendrick steals the ball passes to Williams for a lay up and the Lady Cats win an easy first round game by the score of 60-22. Leading scorers: Kendrick 16, Freeman 10, Gunnels 9, Kaufman 7, Vlieger and Williams with 6 each. Steals, Kendrick 5, Sanders and Kaufman 3 each. Assists, Freeman 5, Hotsenpiller and Vlieger with 2 each. Rebounds, Gunnels 15, Kendrick 12, Williams 9, Hocker, Vlieger and Kaufman with 6 each. The team was 70% from the line with 7 of 10. The field goal percentage was 38% converting 28 of 74.
Facing #1 Adrian Lady Blackhawks in the Semi’s
Even though the Lady Cats were seeded 4th in this always tough Archie Tournament, the local ladies decided to try to be a giant killer. Adrian had been riding high all year and rightfully deserved their number one seed. The past record between the two teams for the last 4 or 5 years has heavily favored the Lady Blackhawks.
Back and forth ball handling ended the first quarter with Drexel trailing 10-13. After a few unforced turnovers in the 2nd quarter and fouls by the Lady Cats, Adrian has taken the lead with high percentage shooting from the line making 8 of 9. Gunnels makes 2 of 2 frees but Drexel still trailed 18-23 with 1:42 left in the first half. Kaufman swishes a set shot from 15 feet but ruled on the line for 2 points. Sanders shoots a running three at the buzzer. It looks good but comes off the rim and Adrian takes a 23-20 lead into half time.
The second half..
Read the complete story in the February 4th edition.
PHOTO: Katie Hocker goes for up for 2 against the pressure of the Ballard Lady Bulldogs last Monday night in the 80th Archie Tournament.