After going undefeated last year as seventh graders, the Winnemucca Junior High School eighth-grade girls basketball team continued its winning ways, starting off hot in its season openers on Friday, Sept. 5, in Carson City.
The Warriors began with a 29-20 victory over Carson City, where seven different players scored.
Sydney Connors led the way with nine points, while Rebecca Kuskie added five. Hannah Growcock and Madi McClellan each scored four points and Lily Garcia finished with three. Rachel Garrison and Julianne Montero had two points apiece.
"We got a few quick baskets and were able to keep the lead the entire game," said WJHS coach Daralee Millikan. "We did struggle with executing our offense, but we put in a good effort and made up for it on defense and rebounding. All the girls played hard. It set the tone for the next game."
Winnemucca had an easier time with Eagle Valley, beating the Eagles 44-20. Growcock led the scoring attack with eight points and Brooke Hansen, Tatyana Carlson and Julie Garcia each had seven points.
Kuskie contributed six points, Connors four, McClellan three and Hailey Fernandez two.
Winnemucca was trailing by two points with a minute left in the first half, but turned up the defensive effort and led by seven at halftime.
"This was a full team effort," Millikan said. "The girls played intense defense and made a few baskets off turnovers, and we were up by the time the buzzer rang for halftime. We pressed at the beginning of the 3rd quarter, and never looked back. These girls have a lot of heart."
Winnemucca hosted Fallon on Thursday and results were not available at press time. The Warriors travel Lovelock on Saturday for the first Tri-County tournament at 9 a.m.[[In-content Ad]]
