MEEKER | The Meeker High School girls basketball team delivered an outstanding performance this past weekend at the Windsor Charter Tournament, winning both games they played. Head Coach Megan Shelton expressed her pride in the team, highlighting how both experienced and younger players have stepped up this season.
“We are very proud of all of them,” Shelton said. “The kids that were on varsity last year have stepped up to make us competitive this year, and the younger ones have worked hard to find a role and get better every practice.”
The Cowboys opened the tournament with a commanding 53-22 victory over the Bishop Machebeuf Buffaloes, this dominant performance marked their largest win since Dec. 15, 2023.
Junior Rylee Sullivan led the Cowboys offensive of charge, scoring 25 points on 10-of-19 shooting and grabbing eight rebounds. It was Sullivan’s fourth consecutive game with at least 10 points. She credited the coaching staff for helping her maintain focus and consistency.
“Coach Shelton and Coach Cravens have done a great job keeping me out of my own head and focusing on the next play,” Sullivan said. “I appreciate them for being in the gym everyday, doing all they can for the team. I think that an important part of preparing is showing up and both Megan and Cravens have done a good job at that.”
Junior Kayla Castillo also made a significant impact, contributing 16 points on 8-of-17 shooting and adding five rebounds. Castillo praised her teammates for their court awareness and support.
“My team had great awareness anytime any of us managed to get loose from our defender and cut towards the rim for an open shot,” Castillo said. “Even if my shots aren’t falling, I know my team will find opportunities to score, which helps me stay confident and continue shooting until I find my shot throughout the game.”
The Cowboys dominated on the boards, pulling down 13 offensive rebounds. This marked their 17th consecutive game with at least nine offensive rebounds, a streak dating back to last season. The win improved their season record to 3-1.
On Saturday, the Cowboys secured their third consecutive win, defeating the Banning Lewis Academy Stallions 53-36. Junior Rylee Sullivan once again led the team with 21 points and eight rebounds, extending her streak of scoring at least a third of the Cowboys’ points to five games.
Junior Kayla Castillo added 17 points, six rebounds, and four steals, while senior Taylor Garcia shined defensively with eight steals and five rebounds. Garcia, who is averaging 5.8 steals per game, recorded her sixth straight game with three or more steals.
The Cowboys finished the game with 17 offensive rebounds, their highest total since January of last season. The win pushed their record to 4-1 for the 2024 season.
Head Coach Megan Shelton and Assistant Coach Greg Cravens reflected on the team’s success.
“It has been a pleasure being able to come into this season with a 4-1 record,” Shelton said. “I love being in the gym with these girls and seeing them get better each day.”
“The girls have worked hard the first month,” Cravens added. “Defense is good, they’re playing together, and they have good individual skills. It’s been a pleasure being in the gym with them.”
Shelton emphasized the importance of continuing to work hard and improve. “Our league will be good, and we need to work to be competitive by focusing hard in practice and continuing to improve our team and individual skills,” Shelton said.
Fans are encouraged to support the Cowboys as they take on Little Snake River on Jan. 4, a team that has scored at least 55 points in its last three games. As always, go Cowboys!
By JARED HENDERSON
