By Sam Jack
TSnews
The Eisenhower Tigers girls basketball team got the better of the Goddard Lions in a rivalry game last Tuesday, Jan. 12, winning 61-26.
“Defensively, we played really well,” Tigers head coach Matt Brumley said. “That seems to be the theme for us this year. I think we did put them at the free-throw line too many times, and kind of let them hang around early. But for the most part, we buckled down, and offensively, we shot the ball pretty well.”
Lions head coach Marcus James said his team couldn’t keep up with the Tigers’ hot shooting.
“When you get down 10, 15 points in the first couple of minutes, that’s a tough task for any team. We played better in the second half, but it was just too late,” he said. “Coach Brumley had those girls ready to play, he really did.”
Payton Ryan led the Tigers’ offense with 15 points. Also scoring in double digits were Carly Dameron, 12, and Addi Verbeck, 11. Other scorers were Taylor Burkholder 8, Kila Respress 8, Kennedy Nicholson 5 and Madi Hagel 2.
Maycee James scored the majority of the Lions’ points, with 16. Other scorers were Blair Clark 7 and Shae Vang 3.
Tigers beat South, Valley
The Eisenhower Tigers go two more wins last week, besting Wichita South 35-25 on Wednesday and Valley Center 50-27 on Friday.
Brumley again credited his team’s defense, which has been giving up an average of just 30 points per game so far this season.
“The girls have really bought in on the defensive side of the basketball court,” he said. “That’s what’s really helping us so far this year.”
Addi Verbeck had a huge offensive night at Valley, hitting 8 three-pointers and finishing with 26 points.
On Tuesday, the Tigers played Hutchinson at home; look for results next week. The team is now off until Jan. 28, when it travels to Emporia. They’ll be home again on Jan. 30 versus Wichita Northwest.
Vs. Wichita South, at Heights: Kennedy Nicholson 9, Addi Verbeck 6, McKenzie Henry 6, Payton Ryan 4, Kila Respress 4, Taylor Burkholder 3, Carly Dameron 3.
At Valley Center: Addi Verbeck 26, McKenzie Henry 8, Carly Dameron 6, Payton Ryan 4, Taylor Burkholder 4, Kila Respress 2.
Lions fall to Salina Central
On Jan. 15, the Lions traveled to Salina Central High School to face Class 5A’s No. 4-ranked team. The Mustangs were just as talented as advertised, James said, and they beat the Lions 59-31.
“I know the score doesn’t look like it, but we played a lot better, a lot harder, on defense. Their D1 commit (Aubrie Kierscht) really took over the game. We tried to double team her; it didn’t matter,” James said.
Kierscht scored 29 points to lead the Mustangs.
Next week, the Lions will compete in a modified Lady Cat Classic. On Monday, they will travel to Augusta; on Thursday, they will host Circle; and on Saturday, they will travel to El Dorado.
At Salina Central: Maycee James 16, Ashlynn Wcislo 6, Bailey Scoggin 4, Blair Clark 3, Lauryn Gordon 2.
