Yasmine McKinney shoots from the paint against the North Tahoe Lakers.
When the two top teams in the 2A compete, you expect fireworks. That’s what happened Friday night at the girls’ varsity game in Lovelock.
North Tahoe’s Lady Lakers beat the Pershing County High School girls basketball team 31-28, bringing the Mustangs’ long winning streak to a halt.
Pershing County now stands at 12-1 overall and 5-1 in the 2A northern league.
“The atmosphere for this big game was amazing. It was fun to be part of,” said coach Lee Houston.
Pershing County students, parents, school staff and admin packed the stands.
People paused to shake Jim Rowe’s hand on their way to the concession stand for nachos or pizza. Steve Evenson interspersed his announcements with trivia contests. Special ed teacher Ed Bake tried his luck and skill at the free throw line.
Riley Harvey takes a shot at the free throw line on Friday night in Lovelock.
The PCHS spirit squad held Mili Gonzalez aloft in a perfectly executed pyramid. One well-wisher held a poster that said “May all your swishes come true.”
“Playing North Tahoe is like looking at ourselves in the mirror,’ said Houston.
Both teams entered the fray undefeated. Each player fought for every point in an aggressive, fast- paced game that left everyone exhausted, both physically and mentally.
Pershing County came into the game fresh from a 38-26 victory over Yerington.
Houston credits the Mustang’s defense for the road win. Offensively, senior Yasmine McKinney led the scoring with 16 points including a couple of three-pointers.
The first half against North Tahoe ended at 17-14 with the Mustangs down by three.
Sophomore Riley Harvey’s free throws helped keep the Mustangs afloat.
“Riley stepped up and played a great game,” said Houston. “She keeps getting better and better.” Harvey scored nine points for Lovelock. McKinney added seven. Aaliyah Allen supplied five.
The fourth quarter started at 23-22 with the Mustangs down by one point. Riley Harvey made two field goals and a free throw. Senior Anna Happy made a free throw.
However North Tahoe answered with field goals from Makenna Alter, Keadle Verkler and Lauren Couwenhoven. Alter added a couple of free throws. It added up to a three-point loss for the formerly undefeated Mustangs.
Houston pinpointed his team’s Achilles Heels.
“We committed way too many turnovers and didn’t shoot well from the free throw line,” he said.
North Tahoe capitalized on Lovelock’s mistakes, however the spectators reveled in a game where the score was never more than a few points in either team’s favor.
The town’s Mustang pride grew stronger despite the loss.
“We look forward to the next time we play North Tahoe,” said Houston.
The girls travel to Tahoe City early next month (Feb. 2). They also expect to face the Lakers in the post-season.
But first, on Jan. 12, they’ll travel to Silver Springs to play the Silver Stage Nighthawks (2-3). Jan. 13 they’re back in Lovelock to host CASR (2-3) at 2 p.m.
On Tuesday, Jan. 9, Pershing County hosted Oasis Academy. Results were not available at press time.