Lady Tigercats focusing on fundamentals

The Lady Tigercats suffered defeat against Rosalia and Garfield-Palouse over the weekend, but the team returned to practice determined to improve in the final games of the season. The LaCrosse-Washtucna/Kahlotus girls faced Rosalia on Friday, losing with a final score 44-13, before battling Gar-Pal on Saturday and falling to the Lady Vikings, 38-22.

The Lady Tigercats have battled with reduced number of athletes, injuries and illness throughout the season, but it has not hindered the team’s desire to improve. Head coach Don Kemper expects to have a full team for the final games of the season due to previously injured players finally being able to return to the court.

During the Lady Tigercats’ game against Rosalia, the girls maintained their composure in the first quarter and trailed by four points, 10-6. The second quarter proved the most difficult for the team as a whole, as they continuously struggled to hit their shots and could not score, bringing the halftime score to 24-6.

“We’re just playing hard, playing better defense, and have a little more patience against the press. Last time we played (Rosalia), we panicked when they threw some pressure against us,” Kemper explained.

“Being a young team, they were trying to exploit that and attack the youth in the team. We played with more confidence and poise when they came out and pressed us.”

Leading the offense for the Lady Tigercats was Ashtyn Aune, who also led the team in scoring with five points. Lindsey Miller contributed three points to the final score, and Madison Harder added two points. Chelsie Kneale and Brooklynn Hostetler each hit one free throw during the game.

The LWK girls suffered the loss of an athlete in the second half when LeAnne Blauert sprained her wrist during contact under the hoop when she attempted a lay-in. Blauert did not play the remainder of the game, and missed the Saturday night game, but Kemper expects her to return to the court in time for the weekend’s games.

The Lady Tigercats continued league play with a trip to Palouse, where the Lady Tigercats stuck with the Gar-Pal team, trailing 19-11 at halftime. Kemper said he is continually impressed by the young group of girls that make up the Lady Tigercats team because of their persistence and determination on the court.

The team again ran into difficulty breaking down the full-court press and had little success on the offensive side even after making it to the frontcourt. Harder rejuvenated the team with a 3-pointer in the third quarter, and rebounded to help keep the Lady Tigercats in the game.

Harder led the girls in scoring with six points, while Aune racked up five points. Kadie Whinery tacked on four points and Kneale added three more. Miller and Hostetler each scored two points for the Lady Tigercats.

“They played very well with the young group of girls, and the defense had some bright moments,” Kemper said about the Gar-Pal game.

The Lady Tigercats face Touchet on Friday at 6 p.m. in Touchet, and face Pomeroy in LaCrosse at 5 p.m. on Saturday.