Meeker and Rangely girls put on an exciting show for Rio Blanco County basketball fans Thursday, with Meeker winning by two. Above, Panther #3 Anika Cantrell takes a shot while guarded by Cowboys #15 MyKayla Wille and #14 Jayden Overton. | MATT SCOGGINS PHOTO
MEEKER | The county rival Rangely Panthers came to Meeker last week, for the only game of the week for the lady Cowboys.
“Playing Rangely is always a lot of fun, I love county rivalries,” began head coach Jamie Rogers, “This year in Meeker we made it such a big even with the Empty Bowls Fundraiser and the Cowboy Up Awards, the gym was packed and loud and the girls played really really well.”
Final score of 67-65 didn’t do justice for the hard fought game between the two teams.
“We would make these runs on Rangely and then kind of relax and they would make a run on us,” said Rogers.
With a minute left the Panthers were up by four points.
“Ellie Hossack was in as point guard, and with an amazing amount of poise drove the ball up the court and got the ball to Sarah who drained a three pointer,” commented Rogers, “the girls then had amazing defense, they didn’t foul but just stirred them up enough to get the ball turned over, and we had another opportunity to score.
“When Hailey Knowles gets the ball she kicks it out and gets it down court and trust that Sarah will win the foot race,” said Rogers.
Scoring was led by Sarah Kracht with 40 points, hitting 7 three pointers, 7 rebounds and five steals; Knowles had 16 points, 17 rebounds and two steals.
The Cowboys now enter a very busy and packed time in their schedule.
This weekend they will take on North Park on Saturday as an away league game.
“North Park has two senior guards that can shoot,” commented Rogers, “We are in a whirlwind beginning next week with four games each week in the last two weeks of regular season.
By TIFFANY JEHOREK – Special to the Herald Times
