Hot off the heels of three close games, the Cardinals gave fans a sigh of relief as the team’s counters to Paola’s defense proved successful Thursday night.
The girls varsity basketball team cruised to a 37-29 victory, keeping their 15-game winning streak alive.
The Cardinals held a modest lead against their opponent thanks to some early 3-pointers and free throws, keeping Paola aggressive.
This has been a laboring time for the Cardinals, coming off three games against Baldwin, Bonner Springs and Ottawa that were decided by 1 or 2 points. Senior Harper Schreiner is happy about the win and believes the team is getting back into its groove.
“We have had three really close games, so it was good to be back in a flow and controlling the game more. It’s been a lot on our legs, but I thought we had great defense and we really went after it tonight,” Schreiner said.
Stepping on the court against Paola, the Cardinals knew this would be another tough battle. Head coach Brandon Parker and his team have a lot of respect for Paola and knew their strong players would have their eyes set on the win.
“We came out and played more like we are capable of. We knew this would be a tough game, and I think we came out and matched that toughness,” Parker said.
That toughness landed them some standout plays. Senior Mackenzie Mayer was proud of how she and the team played and wanted to highlight the aggressiveness she saw on the court.
“I was really proud of Kenzie Yoder. She took a charge and charges are high up on my list. If you take a charge, you earn my automatic respect,” Mayer said.
Overall, the entire team earned praise for the night.
“Sawyer Schreiner stepped up and landed some really big free throws for us, Mayer attacked very well, and Yoder brought some great intensity on defense. Everyone on the bench picked up right where the other person left off,” Schreiner said.
Parker also knows his team has been showing more improvement but plans to address the team about some of the “slip-ups” he saw against Paola.
The Cardinals will aim to work on their defensive strategies. Parker said there was too much one-on-one defense taking place that cost the team some easy baskets. The further the team gets into the season, the more defense will play a critical role.
“We have seen six different defenses this week, so definitely in practice we are going to hit up all of those plays and be prepared for whatever is thrown at us next,” Schreiner said.
The Cardinals are now 15-1 for the season and travel Tuesday to Louisburg.
Reach reporter William Crow at [email protected].
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