MISSION GB RECAP: Strong on D
After a two-game winning streak, the Mission Lady Bulldogs
dropped two close games against tough competition, but are
continuing to play solid basketball as the second half of the
schedule has begun.
On Tuesday, Jan. 17, Stephanie Lewandowski scored 11 points and
Bryanna Steele added eight, but the Arlee Scarlets squeaked by the
Lady Bulldogs 39-35 in Arlee.
After a two-game winning streak, the Mission Lady Bulldogs dropped two close games against tough competition, but are continuing to play solid basketball as the second half of the schedule has begun.
On Tuesday, Jan. 17, Stephanie Lewandowski scored 11 points and Bryanna Steele added eight, but the Arlee Scarlets squeaked by the Lady Bulldogs 39-35 in Arlee.
"In the second half, we played good defense, holding them to 14 points and just two field goals," Mission head coach Les Rice said. "I was pleased with our defensive effort in the last two quarters."
Arlee led 25-17 at intermission, but the Lady Bulldogs chipped away, cutting the deficit to five at 29-24 after three quarters. Mission put up 11 fourth-quarter points, but the Scarlets hit clutch free throws down the stretch to earn the win.
Katrina Stevens and Loren Erickson each netted six points and Cecelia Koskela added four for the visitors in the loss.
Four nights later, the Lady Bulldogs held their fourth-consecutive opponent below 40 points, but couldn't find a rhythm offensively, falling at home 37-20 to Deer Lodge.
"We are starting to play better defense," Rice said. "Deer Lodge was our best defensive game. We played four solid quarters. It was a pretty good effort overall."
Despite only 11 first-half points, Mission only trailed by four at halftime, but was held to nine points in the final two quarters.
Six Lady Bulldogs scored, led by Erickson's seven points and Steele's four. Sahriah Camacho contributed three points, while Lewandowski, Stevens and Haley O'Hern added two.
On tap for Mission are two big rematches against Bigfork and Florence. The Lady Falcons knocked off the Lady Bulldogs 53-49 earlier this season, despite a late rally by Mission. Lewandowski and Steele each scored 10 points in that contest, helping the offense battle Florence's fierce press.
A week later, Mission was only down eight points after three quarters, but couldn't finish the rally, falling 50-36 to Bigfork.
Seven different players scored in that contest, a balance the Lady Bulldogs may need if they want to produce the upset. They'll also have to continue their inspired defensive effort, but Rice may have a game plan in place.
"When we go to Bigfork, they'll play a variety of defenses," Rice said. "When we have the ball, we'll have to recognize what defense they're playing. When we're on defense, they have a post player who passes well. When she gets the ball, we'll want to make her more of a scorer and challenge them that way."
ARLEE 39, MISSION 35
Mission - 11 - 6 - 7 - 11 - 35
Arlee - 10 - 15 - 4 - 10 - 39
Lady Bulldogs scoring - Stephanie Lewandowski 11, Bryanna Steele 8, Katrina Stevens 6, Loren Erickson 6, Cecelia Koskela 4
DEER LODGE 37, MISSION 20
D-L - 11 - 4 - 11 - 11 - 37
Mission - 5 - 6 - 7 - 2 - 20
Lady Bulldogs scoring - Loren Erickson 7, Bryanna Steele 4, Sahriah Camacho 3, Stephanie Lewandowski 2, Katrina Stevens 2, Haley O'Hern 2