Central Oregonian

Cowgirls defeat Panthers

Crook County pulls away in the second quarter to take a 59-46 victory over Redmond

Lon Austin

January 14, 2013

The Crook County Cowgirls blew open a close ball game with a second-quarter surge, then held on to take a 59-46 win over the Redmond Panthers Friday night.

“It was a great win for us,” said Crook County head basketball coach Dave Johnson. “The girls worked pretty well together and our defensive pressure caused Redmond some problems that we were able to take advantage of.”

The Cowgirls clung to a narrow 18-15 lead at the end of the first period. Then, in the second quarter, Crook County turned up the defensive pressure.

The Cowgirls forced the Panthers into a number of turnovers during the period and were able to take advantage of the opportunities to get some easy baskets.

Crook County outscored Redmond 16-4 in the period to take a 34-19 lead into the locker room at the half.

Redmond adjusted to Crook County’s pressure in the second half, but were unable to close the gap as the Cowgirls hung on for the win.

“Redmond had some pretty good height, but we were able to counter that with our speed,” Johnson said. “They hit the glass hard, and had 15 offensive rebounds, but we rebounded well too.

Jessie Maley-Loper led the Cowgirls on the glass with 13 rebounds, while Kimmer Severance added 12, and Kelsie Smith added five.

However, it was at the defensive end that the Cowgirls really shone. Loper had five steals in the contest, while Maddie Lindburg finished with four as the Cowgirls forced the Panthers into committing 26 turnovers.

Despite the strong defensive effort by Crook County, Redmond was able to make a late run. The Panthers closed to within six points twice early in the fourth quarter, but each time the Cowgirls responded.

“Ali Apperson hit some critical shots for us coming down the stretch,” Johnson said. “She had some open looks and hit some big shots when Redmond was making a run.”

Although Apperson had just six points in the contest, all six came late in the fourth quarter.

Jena Ovens had her biggest scoring game of the season to lead the Cowgirls with 17 points. Maley-Loper added 11 points, while Severance finished with eight.

The Panthers were led by Shelby Bergum with 16 points and Chantel Dannis with 11.

With the victory the Cowgirls are 5-6 on the year, while the Panthers fall to 6-7.

Crook County is on the road again today when they travel to Redmond to take on the Ridgeview Ravens (1-12) in the first of two Special District I contests.

The winner of the two-game series will earn a guaranteed play-in spot while the loser will have to hope for a wild card spot.

“Anytime you can get a win it feels better going into your next game,” Johnson said. “Hopefully we can keep the momentum going.”

Friday, Jan. 11

Crook County 59, Redmond 46

at Redmond

Crook County (59) — Jena Ovens 17, Maley-Loper 11, Severance 8, Lindburg 7, Apperson 6, Smith 6, Benton 2, Wood 2, Malott. Totals 20 15-23 59.

Redmond (46) — Shelby Bergum 16, Dannis 11, Current 8, Benson 6, Lennie 2, Williams 2, Baker 1. Totals 22 9-14 46.

Crook County 18 16 13 12 — 59

Redmond 15 4 15 12 — 46

Three-point goals — Crook County: Ovens 2, Lindburg, Maley-Loper; Redmond: Benson 2.