The Lady Redskins battled the Hugo Lady Buffaloes on Thursday, February 27.
The Lady Redskins senior class did not have to be reminded of the significance of this game.
It was the last time to play before their fans and family on their home court. Kassie Bailey, Tyla Bohannon, Britt Henderson and Danna Wagnon would probably tell you that they were not thinking about anything but winning – and win they did, taking down the Lady Buffaloes of Hugo 57-44.
The Lady Redskins came in with a 15 and 9 record and number 14 in the OSSAA poll. The Hugo girls had a 15 and 8 record and a ranking of 19.
In the first quarter, the Lady Redskins were looking to go inside to Avri Weeks and she responded with six points.
Presley McKnight had a pretty three pointer. Bailey, Henderson and Wagnon all had 2 points.
Bailey also took one of her patented “charging fouls” in the paint. Despite the effort, the Lady Redskins clung to a one point lead at the end of the quarter, 15 to 14.
The second quarter saw not one field goal scored by the Lady Redskins. McKnight was 2 of 3 from the line. Bailey was 2 of 2 from the line. Henderson was 1 of 2 from the line.
Bailey was bringing the ball up the court and caught her opponent not looking and stopped mid court causing a collision to draw the foul and get herself to the line.
After a dismal quarter scoring, the ladies found themselves trailing going into half time 21 to 20.
In the third quarter, the Ladies found their shots. Again McKnight hit a three pointer.
She followed that up with a field goal.
Henderson hit for a three and two field goals. Bohannon and Weeks were getting to the line. Bohannon was 3 of 4 and Weeks 2 of 2.
Wagnon got inside for two and a free throw. After the dust settled, Coach Chad Rumer and the Lady Redskins could breathe a little easier with a 40 to 28 lead.
Fourth quarter saw McKnight take away any thought of a Hugo comeback. She had two three pointers and a free throw. Bailey was getting to the line and was 3 of 4. Henderson was 2 of 2 on free throws. Weeks also was 2 of 2 from the line. Bohannon was 1 of 2 and Wagnon added a field goal. The Lady Redskins win 57 to 44.
However, the quarter was not without excitement from Hugo. One technical foul was called on the Buffaloes for an elbow thrown on a free throw attempt. With 35 seconds to play, the Hugo coach got one for himself.
Final stats: McKnight led the team with 17 points. Henderson 12 followed by Weeks who had 10 points. Bailey and Wagnon both had 7 and Bohannon had 4. As a team, the ladies were 22 of 33 from the line for 67%. By comparison, the Lady Buffaloes were 12 of 23 for 52%.
Analysis: Congratulations to this senior class who has seen two straight trips to the state tournament. The first one was when this class was sophomores where they were defeated in the finals. The second trip their junior year ended in the first round. It would be foolish to think that this class could not make it again.
Two years ago, no one thought that a team with one senior, no juniors and all sophomores and freshman could make it to the state finals. No one thought last year that a team with no seniors could get back to state. No one but your fans and families thought it possible. Regardless of what plays out, this class has been the most successful team in Lady Redskin history. Good luck ladies.