Lady Plainsmen play aggressively to gain a win

The Lady Plainsmen gained a victory against Sutherland Saturday after falling to North Platte St. Pat’s Friday.

Coach Katie Cross said knowing St. Pat’s is a difficult team to play may have affected the team before they ever reached the court.

“There’s a level of intimidation that gets in the girls’ heads before the game even starts,” said Cross.

The Lady Plainsmen got off to a slow start against North Platte, scoring just two points in the first quarter with a basket by Samantha Patrick. St. Pat’s, on the other hand, put 18 points on the board, to lead 18-2 after the first quarter.

Perkins County picked up eight more points in the second, with a 3-pointer by Meredith Gloy. Dani Burge added three points as well, with Autumn Anderson adding two. At half the score stood at 10-34.

Meghan Bishop put up a three pointer for the Lady Plainsmen in the third quarter, and teammates Hallie Fisher, Burge, and Kylie Tucker each added baskets.

St. Pat’s added a whopping 24 points in the third, putting Perkins County at a 18-58 disadvantage.

Hannah Kempf scored the only two points for Perkins County in the final quarter, while their opponents added 12 points. That put the final score at 20-70.

Burge led the team with five points. Gloy and Bishop were close behind with three points each.

Cross said this game was a learning experience for the team. She added the girls needed to come out with confidence to play the game they want to play.

Sutherland

The Lady Plainsmen gained a quick lead over their opponents on Saturday, and they held onto that lead throughout the game.

Patrick sank a three pointer within the first minute of the game, giving the girls an early lead. The team quickly picked up another 11 points, while Sutherland only scored eight to give Perkins County a 14-8 lead after the first quarter.

The Lady Plainsmen carried their energy and confidence into the second quarter, putting 15 more points on the scoreboard. Perkins County. held the Sailors to just six to take a 29-14 halftime lead..

Sutherland put the pressure on the Lady Plainsmen in the second half, but the girls skillfully worked around the defense. Perkins County in turn played their defensive stragety wisely, preventing the Sailors from scoring until only four minutes were left in the quarter.

The Lady Plainsmen held onto their lead 39-23 at the end of the third.

Sutherland’s pressure increased in the final quarter, and Perkins County did not score until over half of the quarter had passed.

In that time Kempf and Rylee Huff fouled out of the game.

Sutherland used these fouls to their advantage, as free throws accounted for the majority of their points in the final quarter.

Perkins County prevailed and defeated their opponents 44-35.

Patrick led the team with 21 points, including three 3-pointers.

Cross noted the girls were more aggressive, both offensively and defensively, and that paid off for the team in the end.

The Lady Plainsmen’s record now stands at 3-8.

Next Action

Perkins County will face Chase County on Thursday, Jan. 16 in Perkins County. The varsity girls’ game will begin at 6 p.m.

The Longhorns’ record stands at 7-2 coming into the week. They played against Southern Valley on Jan. 14.

On Friday, Jan. 17, The Lady Plainsmen will travel to Wauneta to face the Broncos. Wauneta’s record stands at 3-9.

Next week, beginning Jan. 20, Perkins County will compete in the SPVA tournament at Mid Plains Community College in North Platte. Details for the tournament are yet to be determined.