by Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek picked up a big win in girls hoops on Tuesday as the Lady Cougars downed Bastrop 35-22 at the Sterlington Shootout.
It was a win over a Rams team that posted a 32-3 record last season.
For the second straight game, the Lady Cougars got off to a slow start offensively but were able to keep the Lady Rams at bay.
Creek (3-1) led 7-2 after the first quarter and held a 10-8 advantage at the half.
“We were sluggish and slow to start with morning tip time,” said Creek head coach Katie Hall. “We were playing less than 24 hours after last night’s game. The biggest thing is we are still trying to figure out each other with Avery Ryan on the court.
“We struggled to score. We turned it over a little too much and had some ill-advised passes at times.”
The third quarter was the decisive stretch for Cedar Creek as the Lady Cougars outscored Bastrop 15-0 to take a 25-8 lead into the final stanza.
“In the second half we started playing better together and we scored some points in transition,” said Hall. “It was a low scoring game, but we found a way to win.”
Ryan scored six points in the third quarter and Mallory Smith added four to lead the Lady Cougars.
“It’s just about us getting used to playing with Avery,” said Hall. “It’s a different feel. We are looking inside and trying to feed the post. We are going to have to get better at that.”
Mary Grace Hawkins led Creek with 13 points while Smith added nine and Ryan added eight in the victory.
Hall gave credit to her team’s defense although said they still have a ways to go.
“Bastrop didn’t score a lot of points, but we have to be more disciplined on defense,” said Hall. “We have to stay in stance and not get front cut. It’s early and we will continue to get better.
“This is still November. We aren’t supposed to be hitting on all cylinders right now. We just have to get acclimated.”
The Lady Cougars will break for Thanksgiving before resuming action Monday at Beekman Charter.
