MCDERMITT - What was thought to be a close battle for the top spot in the Division IV East turned in to a run away rout by the McDermitt High School girls basketball team on Saturday against Owyhee.
The Braves came in to the contest undefeated in league play, including a win over Eureka, but proved to be no match for the Lady Bulldogs, who won 73-36 for their fifth victory in a row.
"We played well tonight," said MHS coach Jaimi Wilkinson. "The girls came out and played like a team. Our passing was good and we were able to get the ball inside the way we wanted to."
McDermitt jumped out to a quick 7-2 lead off of two baskets by Lydia Northrup and an opening bucket by Andrea Smart. The Braves closed the gap to 7-6, but the Lady Bulldogs quickly answered with a basket by Va Draunidalo and a 3-pointer by Krissy Long to double up Owyhee at 12-6.
McDermitt took an 18-12 advantage in to the second quarter and quickly expanded the margin to 30-16 off of baskets by Draunidalo, Adrie Smart, Deandra Dave and Northrup. The Lady Bulldogs used a 19-9 run to lead 37-21 at the break.
"The girls were intense in the first half," Wilkinson said. "They were on each other a little bit, but I am OK with that. It was just what was going on at time in the game and I am fine with it."
McDermitt blew the game open with a 15-3 run to start the thirds quarter and led 52-24. The Lady Bulldogs picked up contributions from a number of girls and Krissy Long had six points in the third period. McDermitt outscored Owyhee 23-8 in the third quarter to lead 60-29.
The Lady Bulldogs continued to pull away in the final eight minutes and the game was played with a running clock for the final 90 seconds.
Long was one of three McDermitt players and led all scorers with 20 points. Northrup was right behind her with 18 and Draunidalo netted 14. Andrea Smart had eight points, Adrie Smart seven, Dave four and Megan Sam two.
"It was a big win for us," Wilkinson said. "They were missing one of their best post players, but we will take it."
McDermitt opened the weekend with a 68-22 win over Carlin on Friday night. The Lady Bulldogs (4-0 Division IV East, 13-3 overall) jumped out to an 18-6 lead in the first quarter and were never challenged.
The advantage expanded to 30-10 at halftime and 50-18 after three quarters of action.
Andrea Smart (19), Northrup (16) and Draunidalo (12) paced McDermitt and combining for 47 points. Dave added seven points, Morissa Bitt, Dacey Horn and Sam four each and Adrie Smart two.
McDermitt is now in sole possession of first place in the Division IV East at 4-0. Eureka is second at 3-1 and Owyhee is 2-1. Wells, Jackpot and Carlin are looking to fight for fourth place. The top four teams advance to the regional tournament in Elko in February.
Smith Valley and Pyramid Lake are currently 6-0 in the Division IV West. McDermitt has beaten Pyramid Lake twice, but lost to Smith Valley.
McDermitt hits the road on Wednesday for a non-conference game at Crane, Ore., at 6:30 p.m. The Lady Bulldogs wrap up the first half of the league season on Friday at Eureka at 5:30 p.m.
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