Katie Wagner pulls up for a jumper through Loper hands during the Kearny and Fort Hays matchup.
Sydney Golladay finds Kate Dilsaver open on the block and passes her the ball.
Dilsaver goes for a contested layup.
Wagner sneaks past defenders to lob a shot up.
The Tigers and Lopers fight for possession of a rebound during the game. Effort and defense are key to playing in tough games like this, said Sophomore Emma Ruddle. “We want to play tougher defense, crash the boards harder, and rebound better,” she said. “We’ve got to come out tough from the beginning and get that momentum from the start and then keep it.”
Golladay passes the ball on an inbounds play.
Olivia Hollenbeck knocks down a free throw.
Jessie Sallach worked the defense down near the block with a spin move to get a shot.
In Man-to-Man defense, Wagner eyes her opponent. The game came down to the last few possessions, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. “The biggest thing we need at the end of a tight game like this is to get a stop on defense and make the other team foul us so we can shoot free throws,” said Katie Wagner.
Ruddle plays tight defense. “Knowing our scouting reports, putting our practices together on the floor, trusting each other, and making shots are things we need to come through on top of battles like tonight.”
Head Coach Tony Hobson calls a timeout near the end of the game to put together a play that could give the Tigers the win. “With 8 seconds left, we drew up an ISO play where I got the ball at the elbow and could either take the shot or pass to Sydney,” said Wagner.
Assistant Coach Talia Kahrs speaks with Golladay before play resumes.
Wagner attempts the final shot of the game. “In the end, Kearny got the bucket, but games like this are important. They teach us how to play in these close game situations and give our younger players experience, said Wagner. “At the end of the season, everyones playing their best and games will be close. Now we know the feeling of loss and can use that as a drive for more wins.”
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