After a slow start last Saturday, the Winnemucca Junior High School eighth-grade girls basketball team battled back to claim the Tri-County championship with a 34-23 win over Oasis Charter School in Winnemucca.
“After waiting three-to-four hours to play, we got off to a crazy start,” said WJHS coach DaraLee Millikan. “It took a few minutes to get going, but the girls started running their offense. I have never had to complain much about their defense; they work very hard to make the other team struggle.”
Gracie Garrett had a strong fourth quartet to lead the Warriors with nine points. Reece Kalkoske added five points.
“Gracie helped secure the win by putting the ball in the basket, especially during the fourth quarter,” Millikan said.
Adia Bengochea, Shantel Bernal and Shanae Smith each scored four points. Mackenzie Begay scored three and Jordan Hornbarger, Macy DeLong and Bailee Brinkerhoff had two points apiece.
“We put a few things in place to make Oasis’s top scorer change her style a little bit, and the girls followed through,” added the coach. All the girls gave 100 percent. Bailee had some key steals and stops, and Adia handled the ball for us, helping control the game at our pace. I am proud to coach this team. We only have one game left on Oct. 11 in Fallon, and then, sadly, our season is over.”
Garrett, Brinkerhoff and Bengochea were named to the all-tournament team.
Winnemucca travels to Fallon Tuesday for a 3:30 p.m. start.
