MEEKER I Meeker’s Lady Cowboys are gearing up for a repeat defeat of the league’s No. 1 ranked Paonia Eagles. This group has persevered this season with some great teamwork for a 7-2 record. Saturday’s match against the Plateau Valley Cowboys proved their capabilities.
Meeker came out strong with seven girls scoring by halftime for a 17-point lead. They returned to the floor to double the gap, outscoring Plateau Valley 22-5 in the third quarter to stretch 34 points ahead.
All of the Lady Cowboys hit at least one bucket during the game to contribute to the 41-point victory. Several players saw double digit scoring and many others were a point away. The team did a great job assisting and finding open shots all night.
This game was a display of their work ethic. Coach Deb Henderson stated, “They have been working super hard at practice all week.”
The girls’ teamwork excelled as they found a hot spot. Senior Laura Glass boasted a career-high 24 points.
The guards’ defensive play added to the scoreboard as they racked up steals, several of which sparked fast-break layups. Helping the cause, the posts tore down the rebounds throughout the game, either powering them up for a bucket or passing them down the court.
Overall, the team decreased their turnovers by 50 percent and almost doubled their steals in this league game from the previous non-league event against Plateau Valley. Coach Henderson commented that she is “proud of the adjustments they’ve made and how far they have come in three weeks.”
“I’m so proud of them,” said Henderson of the display of teamwork as the girls look to each other for opportunities to improve.
The team travels to No. 1 ranked Paonia Friday, Feb. 11. Paonia has three non-league losses this season, two to larger schools and one to the Lady Cowboys. Meeker overpowered the 2010 state champion Eagles at home early in January. The Lady Cowboys are working hard for another win.