Lady Broncos show strength in win over Claude and Vega

By Sandy Anderberg

The Lady Broncos flexed their muscles in their District season opener against Claude at home Tuesday night. The ladies outhustled, outplayed, and outlasted a mediocre Lady Mustang team 61-37 to go 14-2 on the year. The Lady Broncos have also been duly recognized in the polls with a number 10 ranking this week in 1A Division I.

After a first quarter blowout by the Lady Broncos, the Lady Mustangs rallied back and hit four three-point shots in the second quarter. But the ladies stayed solid and looked to fundamental basketball and aggressive defense to thwart the comeback attempt and get the win. McKayla Cartwright dominated inside and finished with 18 points while Jentry Shadle hit from the outside for 16. Taylor Gaines stepped up her play and took it in for 12.

“We came out with a lot of energy and were able to get a lead in the first quarter,” coach Molly Weatherred said.

“Claude hit some big shots in the second quarter, but I thought our girls did a great job coming out in the second half and got some big defensive stops. I thought we played really physical and tough this game, which is nice to see.”

Scoring: Cartwright 18, Shadle 16, Gaines 12, Camra Smith 6, Anna Ceniceros 4, Ryann Starnes 3, and Audrey Shelton 2.

On Friday, the Lady Broncos added another win to their year as they defeated Vega 51-39. The ladies gained the early momentum and held a comfortable lead at the break. Offensively, the Lady Broncos were not as sharp from the three-point line as they are capable of, but shot great free throws at 77 percent to help on the scoreboard.

Gaines led the team on the scoreboard with 13 and Cartwright finished with a double at 10. Weatherred was pleased with her team’s composure in the game.

“Vega was a crazy atmosphere,” Weatherred said. “I give their fans and students credit for that. I feel that the girls handled it great. We were glad to get out of there with a win. We did not shoot the ball well at all, so for us to win a game and shoot 16% from the three-point line is a good sign.”

Scoring: Gaines 13, Cartwright 10, D. Howard 8, Smith 8, Starnes 7, Ceniceros 3, and Shelton 2.

The ladies will continue their district schedule on Friday, January 18 on the road against Panhandle. They will have an open date January 22, but travel to Claude Friday, January 25.