Lady Cougars battle EPC in second round meeting

Chelsea Drope tries to find a lane to the hoop [Click to enlarge]

The Lady Cougars closed out their season in the second round of the district tournament a week ago Tuesday, falling to eventual runner-up East Poinsett County, 68-54.

The first half was a back-and-forth battle between the two teams.

Rhoda Classen tied the score at 12-12 late in the first on a successful drive to the hoop. Chelsea Drope pushed Rector ahead, 13-12, by hitting one of two free throws with 24 seconds left in the frame.

EPC reclaimed the lead in the final moments of the first, 14-13, as Brittany Ball sank a pair from the line with six seconds left in the first.

The Lady Cougars trailed by as much as seven in the second quarter, but surged late to stay close, trailing 28-27 at intermission. Rector closed out the first half with a 6-2 run, with Classen going three of four at the line and scoring down low for five of the crucial points. Drope began the run with a free throw at the 2:41 mark.

The Lady Warriors came out on a mission in the second half, outscoring the Lady Cougars 14-4 over the first 6:17 of the third.

Rector rattled off six unanswered to end the third on a three-pointer and a jumper from Drope and a Classen free throw to stay within striking distance, 45-38.

EPC's lead grew to 13 points with under 3:00 left in the game. The Lady missed three of five free throws down the stretch, but time ran out before Rector could take advantage.

The second half saw EPC grab the game's momentum, as they outscored the Lady Cougars 40-27.

"They came out in the second half and played a more physical game," Lady Cougar coach Mark Manchester said. "They're a good team that always plays their hardest this time of year."

Though the loss stung, ending Rector's hopes of advancing to the regional tournament, the Lady Cougars' fans continued to show strong support for their team.

"I want to thank our fans for coming out and supporting this season," Manchester said. "We've got some of the best fans that you could ask for."

Drope and Classen led the Lady Cougars with 18 points each. Also scoring for Rector were Allison Duncan 8, Rebecca Dodd 6 and Emily Cornelison 6.

Following the tourney finals on Friday, Drope, Harmon and Classen were named to the All-District squad.