Lady Cats rally against Burns then fall to Newcastle

The Lady Cats played three games last weekend at the Regional Tournament held in Newcastle, falling in game one to Torrington, 39-55, winning game two against Burns, 35-25 and then losing out in the play-in game against Newcastle, 47-56.

Coach Matt McPhie said the girls struggled to find an offensive rhythm against the Lady Trailblazers in game one on Thursday morning, going cold from the field in the first and second quarters.

Ashley McPhie led the way scoring in the Torrington game with 24 points. She, along with the rest of her teammates were missing in offensive action during the second and third quarter of the game.

Mariah Brooks chipped in seven points and added eight rebounds and three steals on her production line.

McKenna Bomengen and Sesi Jensen each had nice rebounding efforts, pulling in 10 and 9 respectively.

Friday was a win or go scenario for the team as they faced a scrappy Burns team.

In a tight, low scoring contest, the girls finally pulled away late, led by Bomengen and Jensen in the scoring department. Bomengen finished the game with 16 points and Jensen added 11 to pace the group.

Jensen also had double digit rebounds again, pulling down 10 and grabbing four steals. Bomengen made her mark with six steals during the game. Julie Johnson added three steals as well.

"Coming down the stretch we needed some girls to step up and make some plays," McPhie said. "McKenna hit a big three for us and Sesi knocked down six of her final eight free trhow attempts to help bag the win."

Saturday morning, the team played Newcastle in one of the two qualifying play-in games.

Newcastle came out hot and knocked down a handful of three-pointers and took it right to the Lady Cats. Part way through the first quarter, the girls trailed 19-2.

"Credit to our ladies," McPhie said, "they stayed tough and battled back. All the way back to pull the score within 49-47 with about a minute and 30-seconds left.

"In the end, we couldn't overtake the Lady Dogies and the season came to an end. It was an incredible display of determination and faith by these girls, to battle through such a difficult start."

Bomengen led the way with 17 points, followed by Sadie Burr with 12. McPhie chipped in seven points.

Jensen took top honors with rebounding, pulling down eight boards. Bomengen collected seven of her own and Mariah Brooks tucked away five. Burr also led the way on the defensive end with three steals.

The girls finish the season with a 13-11 overall record.

"It marks the first winning season the program has had in over four years," McPhie said. "This season some good, tough, competitive basketball was played by this group of young

ladies.

"The team says good-bye to six incredible seniors. They all brought so much to the table. They will be missed, but we are better off as a program for what they have left. They have left their mark, and most of it revolves around hard work and commitment."