Lady Broncos begin season with a win against St. John-Endicott

The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Lady Broncos varsity basketball team kicked off their season with a non-league game against St. John-Endicott on Saturday, Dec. 3, in St. John.

The team went into the game determined to out play their opponents and showcase the immense variety of skills the individual players possess. They claimed the win against SJE with a score of 61-48.

Head Coach Gary Kelly said the game went as expected.

He had confidence the team would do well against the Lady Eagles due to the high intensity and confidence of the Lady Broncos, Kelly explained.

Kelly said the team began the game aggressive and determined, which led to a high foul count for the team. Overall, the Lady Broncos had 23 fouls throughout the game.

After the first quarter, Kelly said the team stepped up their game by playing smart and as a unit. Kelly said having multiple players returning this year is a benefit because it improves the relationship between the teammates.

He began the game by starting the players with more varsity experience in order to create a consistent game momentum. The returning players displayed aggressive defense and determination to put points on the board, said Kelly.

Once Kelly felt the Lady Broncos were dominating the game, he began rotating in players, he explained.

This first game of the season allowed Kelly to observe how each player responds to real game situations, as well as determine what areas they are in need of improvement.

Peyton Curtis and Tessa Jantz led the team in scoring as Curtis had 17 points and Jantz had 16. Kelly said he knows the duo could have accumulated additional points had he not adjusted the rotation.

Curtis also claimed the most 3-pointers for the Lady Broncos with two.

While on the court, Curtis and Jantz dominated the game and proved to be an unstoppable force, said Kelly. Returning senior Kallie Harder also impressed Kelly by being a solid competitor on the court and contributing to the team through precise passing and determination.

Kelly said all the players demonstrated advanced skill and he is proud of how well they played. The score did not match the overall outcome of the game as the Lady Broncos controlled the tempo of all four quarters, he added.

Freshman Eliza Galbreath impressed Kelly with her ball handling skills and proves to be a major contributor to the team. He said her height also serves as an advantage on the court as she remains a strong presence against her opponents.

One of the most impressive aspects of the game is the low number of turnovers the team had, said Kelly. The Lady Broncos only allowed their opponents seven turnovers, a total Kelly described as unbelievable.

He stated in previous years, the team averaged around 18 turnovers per game with the lowest number being around 12. Kelly said the impressive statistic allowed him to recognize the strength of the team he has the opportunity to coach this season.

The Lady Broncos will focus on improving individual player’s skills as well as playing as one forceful unit, Kelly explained. His goal is to determine a set starting line up for the team and continue rotating positions.

The team is gearing up for their toughest games of the season against Colfax and Liberty this weekend.

As the two top teams in the league, Kelly expects the games to be challenging but views them as a great learning opportunity for the new team. He is looking forward to observing how the new athletes handle the intensity of the games and how much the returning players’ skills have advanced since last season.

The Lady Broncos go on the road Friday before hosting Colfax Saturday, Dec. 10, at Gilson Gym.