MEEKER I The Barone Middle School girls’ basketball team started their season Saturday in Craig. Both the seventh and eighth grade A teams found themselves against tough competition but played hard, and know what to work on going forward.
The B teams provided the most exciting games with the seventh graders from Meeker winning in overtime 14-12. The eighth grade B team kept the game close the whole way and had a late charge, but came up short 20-14 in the end.
The seventh grade girls were led in scoring by Taylor Dodds and Sierra Williams, with outstanding play from Reese Pertile and the tenacious defense of Elissa Quinteros. The seventh graders are coached by Tom Knowles.
The eighth grade A team came out of the blocks with what could become their signature defense. Pressure and trapping forced turnovers by the Bulldogs and the game was a two point battle midway through the second quarter. Craig made a run going into halftime and rattled nerves caused some Meeker turnovers. There were certainly a series of successes, however, as the lady Cowboys defense provided offensive opportunities.
The team looks to be a team to reckon with as the season progresses. The eighth graders are coached by Kris Casey. The programs have more than 30 kids participating and the coaches are excited about the work ethic and enthusiasm of the kids. This week the teams will travel to Rangely on Thursday for games beginning at 4 p.m. and host Steamboat at home on Saturday morning.