Central Oregonian

Cowgirls blasted by Bears

Bend takes big early lead and coasts to 77-29 win

Lon Austin

January 28, 2013

The Bend Lava Bears couldn’t do anything wrong in the opening minutes of their Intermountain Hybrid girls basketball game with the Crook County Cowgirls.

The Lava Bears took advantage of a quick start to blast the Cowgirls 77-29 in the contest which was played in Bend.

“It was kind of the perfect storm,” said Crook County head coach Dave Johnson. “It was a combination of them playing very well and us playing poorly.”

The Lava Bears scored on their first eight possession of the contest as they rolled out to a 16-0 early lead. Bend led 23-6 at the end of the first quarter, and extended their lead to 44-13 by halftime.

The one bright spot for the Cowgirls was Jessie Maley-Loper, who scored a team-high nine points and added five steals.

However, Loper went down with a possible concussion midway through the third quarter and was unable to play the remainder of the contest.

Crook County guard Jena Ovens was also injured in the contest.

The Lava Bears (10-5) were led by Mekayla Isaak and Jessica McClay with 15 points apiece, while Byrdie Burnham was also in double figures with 13 points.

It was the third consecutive loss for the Cowgirls who fell to 7-8 on the season.

Crook County is back in action tonight when they host Redmond who they defeated in the two team’s previous meeting. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 25

Bend 77, Crook County 29

at Bend

Crook County (29) — Jessie Maley-Loper 9, Severance 6, Smith 6, Estes 4, Wood 2, Apperson 2, Bannon, Malott. Totals 11 6-7 29.

Bend (77) — Mekayla Isaak 15, Jessica McClay 15, Burnham 13, Sylvester 6, Crook 6, Maloney 5, Kramer 4, Hayes 4, Froelich 3, Lundy 2, Evert 2, Mattox 2. Totals 30 15-23 77.

Crook County 6 7 12 4 — 29

Bend 23 21 19 14 — 77

Three-point goals — Crook County: Loper; Bend: Crook, McClay.