Lady Cougars fall short in meeting with Marmaduke

Senior Stephanie DeMent takes aim from deep during the Lady Cougars loss to Marmaduke. [Click to enlarge]

The Lady Cougars came up short in a methodically-paced meeting with Marmaduke Thursday night in Rector, falling 34-24.

The first quarter saw the teams the teams examine each other for openings, coming to a 6-6 close.

Marmaduke moved ahead 18-10 going into the half. The visitors got four points each from guards Anna Best and Michelle Greaney, as the Lady Cougars managed just four points in the frame as a whole.

Marmaduke led 24-18 going into the fourth, and used tough play on both ends of the court to hold Rector at bay.

The Lady Cougars fared better from the charity stripe in the slow-tempo outing than in recent weeks, netting nine of 13 attempts. Marmaduke connected on eight of 10 free throws on the evening.

"That was probably our worst offensive performance of the year," Lady Cougar coach Mark Manchester said. "They do such a good job of controlling the tempo and making you play their style. Coach Hoffman does a very good job with his kids." Marmaduke's conservative style of play slowed down Rector's transition game.

"We couldn't score any fast break points," Manchester said. "We didn't shoot the ball well from the perimeter, and couldn't get into the type of rhythm we like."

Rhoda Classen finished with eight points to lead Rector. Also scoring for the Lady Cougars were Allison Duncan 6, Stephanie DeMent 5, Destinei Heathcott 2 and Jessie Scott 2.

Anna Best led Marmaduke with 13 points. Michelle Greaney added 11 in the win. Also scoring for the Lady Greyhounds were Morgan Hatcher 6, Gennifer Simpson 2 and Mercedez Jones 2.

Junior High Game

The Junior Lady Cougars had a tough night, facing the 27-0 Junior Lady Greyhounds. Rector was downed in the meeting, 43-12.

The visitors led throughout: 13-3; 25-6 and 35-8.

Vanessa Jones finished with four points to lead Rector. Also scoring for the Junior Lady Cougars were Courtney Shepard 3, Cheyenne Ellis 2, Lenae Haley 2 and Kaitlyn Essman 1.

Rachel Vangilder finished with a game-high 16 for Marmaduke. Also scoring for the guests were Jessica Lee 7, Whitley Boggs 7, Trinity Grady 6, ALexus Jones 3, Caitlin Robinson 2 and Jamie Clayton 2.

Win Over Turrell

The Lady Cougars picked up a 50-47 win over host Turrell last Tuesday.

Classen finished with 17 points to pace Rector in the road game victory. Rebecca Dodd and Duncan finished with 10 points each on the night. Also scoring for the Lady Cougars were DeMent 9, Heathcott 3 and Scott 1.

Turrell does not have a junior high girls team, keeping the Junior Lady Cougars from taking the floor.

The Lady Cougars were slated to host Riverside Tuesday night. The girls will welcome BIC to town beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday in an evening which also serves as the 2010 Basketball Homecoming. Rector will host Dyer County in senior A and B play beginning at 6 p.m. Monday night.