Central Oregonian

Cowgirls slip past Panthers

Crook County outscores Redmond 25-0 during first-half run, then holds on for close win

LON AUSTIN/CENTRAL OREGONIAN

Michaeline Malott goes up for a layup during the first half of the Cowgirls victory over the Redmond Panthers. Malott finished with 12 points in the contest.

Lon Austin

January 31, 2013

Playing without two of their starters, the Crook County Cowgirls overcame a furious late rally to take a 59-55 Intermountain Hybrid basketball victory over the visiting Redmond Panthers.

“That was a good overall team win,” said Crook County head coach Dave Johnson. “Everybody contributed in some way.”

The Panthers took advantage of Crook County turnovers to jump out to an early 11-6 lead.

However, Redmond didn’t score a point for the final 11 minutes of the first half, and the first two minutes of the third quarter. The Panthers missed 18 consecutive shots in the second quarter alone.

Crook County took advantage of the Redmond scoring drought to go on a 25-0 scoring run. By halftime, the Cowgirls had a 31-11 lead and seemed to be in control of the contest.

Neither team was able to score in the opening minutes of the third quarter. The Panthers finally broke their scoring drought when Brittny Benson hit a three-point shot with 6:05 remaining in the quarter.

Trailing 31-14, the Panthers extended their defensive pressure, causing problems for the Cowgirls.

Redmond outscored Crook County 18-6 in the period, to close to within eight points. The Panthers continued to press in the fourth quarter and gradually made inroads into the Cowgirl lead.

“We played good defense and rebounded the ball OK,” Johnson said. “But, coming down the stretch, I think that we made it a little harder on ourselves than we needed to.”

The quarter alternated between a frantic up-and-down pace with both teams forcing turnovers, and a free throw contest.

Kelsie Smith, Ali Apperson, and Michaeline Malott all fouled out for the Cowgirls, while Shelby Bergum, Baileigh Baker, Ann Williams, and Kendall Current fouled out for the Panthers.

The two teams combined to shoot 72 free throws in the contest. The Cowgirls hit 22-38 while the Panthers were just 15-34 from the free throw line. The free throw totals would have been even higher, except both teams missed the front end of several one-and-ones.

The Cowgirls held a 57-48 lead with one minute left in the contest. However, the Panthers finally found their shooting touch, scoring seven points in the final minute. When Redmond (8-10) hit their final three-point shot with 4 seconds left, the score was 58-55.

After a scramble for a loose ball, the Panthers fouled Kimmer Severance on the ensuing inbounds play and Severance hit her second free throw to give Crook County a four-point margin. A final desperation heave by the Panthers was off the mark, and the Cowgirls escaped with the win.

Severance led the Cowgirls with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and five steals. Malott finished with 12 points and six rebounds, while Emily Benton came off the bench to score 10 points. Point guard Maddie Lindburg hit two crucial three-point shots in the fourth quarter to finish with eight points, and added five assists.

Benson led the Panthers in scoring with 16, while Kaylee Wilson finished with 10.

The Cowgirls were able to win despite committing 26 turnovers and being outrebounded by the Panthers.

“We were able to get baskets when we needed to make crucial baskets,” Johnson said. “We were able to get a rebound when we needed a rebound and truly everybody contributed tonight.”

Crook County (8-8) is back in action tonight when they host the Ridgeview Ravens (1-14) in a critical Special District I matchup. The Cowgirls won the first game of the three-game series, so if they were to win tonight, they would wrap up a play-in contest. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 29

Crook County 59, Redmond 55

at Crook County

Redmond (55) — Brittny Benson 16, Wilson 10, Baker 2, Lennie 3, Sappington 2, Hammack 2, Current 7, Bergum 2, Williams 2, Dannis 9. Totals 17 15-34 55.

Crook County (59) — Kimmer Severance 19, Malott 12, Benton 10, Apperson 5, Lindburg 8, Bannon, Estes 1, Smith 2, Wood 2. Totals 17 22-38 59.

Redmond 11 0 18 26 — 55

Crook County 10 21 6 22 — 59

Three-point goals — Redmond: Benson 3, Wilson 2, Lennie; Crook County: Lindburg 2, Apperson.