Lady Cats win at home and on the road

The Lady Bobcat basketball team added a pair in the "W" column this weekend, winning first at home on Friday against Lander, 36-30 and then winning in Big Piney on Saturday, 47-33.

After losing to Lander's Lady Tigers by 10 before Christmas break, this win was a great one for the girls. The home opener had a great crowd and the girls were a little nervous, but they found a way to stay in the game and dominated in the fourth quarter.

Both teams struggled in the shooting department, but coach Cory Sova said they took care of the ball quite well, only allowing 10 turnovers.

Ashley McPhie stepped up in a huge way, making three of her last four three-point shots, all in the fourth quarter. She lead the team with 13 points and added three rebounds to her stats.

"I was really happy for Ashley (McPhie)," Sova said, "as she hit those big three's. She works extremely hard and has put a lot of time in in the gym."

McKenna Bomengen also knocked down five of six free-throw attemps, also in the fourth quarter as the Lady Cats finally settled down offensively, scoreing 17 points. Bomengen had another double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

"Her energy was contagious for the team," Sova said.

Sova also said Haley McDermott hit some big shots, allowing the girls to keep the lead throughout the game. She dropped in nine points, had five rebounds, four assists and two steals, too.

Sesi Jensen also grabbed seven big rebounds and Sova said she was perfect taking care of the ball.

Tahja Hunt also had a couple of rebounds and steals and played a solid game with only one turnover.

"Also, hats off to Aspen Jensen and Kaylee DeVries off the bench," Sova said, "as well as the rest of our girls for working so hard in practice to make the team better."

Sova said rebounding was still a concern against Lander, but they are showing improvement.

The Big Piney game looked a lot like a free-throw clinic with the Lady Cats hitting 21 of 24 from the line.

"We might have to see if we can work out a deal to bring those baskets back home," Sova laughed.

McDermott had an impressive game with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. She also shot well from the field and had a perfect eight for eight from the free-throw line.

"She made good decisions with the ball and only had one turnover," Sova said.

Bomengen played with her usual energy and enthusiasm with a 12 point, eight rebound game. Sova said her decision making during the game was solid.

Sesi Jensen got into some foul trouble against Big Piney, but still had a nice game with seven points and led the Lady Cats with nine rebounds. Sova said her progress is noticeable and the coaching staff is happy with her improvement.

McPhie added three rebounds and two assists to her seven points and was a perfect four for four from the free throw line.

Hunt led the way with three steals and again took care of the ball with only one turnover. Sova added that against the zone, she moved the ball well and her passing skills have really grown after gaining some varsity experience.

DeVries added a couple of rebounds and worked extremely hard on the defensive end while Aspen Jensen had three rebounds which were important as Sova is asking the girls at the top of the defense to go to the basket and help block out the opponent.

"Nine total turnovers was definitely a key to our win," Sova said, "and the girls didn't commit any in the fourth quarter, which was especially impressive as we spread the floor and moved the ball.

"Only 19 total in two games was fantastic, especially having quite a young team.

"Big Piney struggled shooting, but I credit our girls for challenging shots and moving well on defense."

With Big Piney having one of the premier athletes in the state, Grace Tanner, Sova was pleased to see the girls slow her down somewhat.

The Lady Cats will have their biggest test of the year as they host Worland's Lady Warriors tonight (Thursday) at 6 p.m.

Sova said they are a big team with a lot of quickness. It will be the first conference quadrant game and he is sure both teams will be excited to get after it.

Friday, the girls head over the mountain for another quadrant game against Buffalo, one of the premier 3A teams in the East.