Devils honestly deliver big Trail tourney win

Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Junior Alyssa Van Vleet soars in for two of her 26 points that led Decatur Community, Kan., to a 58-23 Cattle Trail victory over Wauneta-Palisade despite hustling defensive effort from Bronco Destany Simpson (23).
R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — The honesty of coach Brandon Gehring was delightful following Decatur Community’s dazzling Cattle Trail performance Tuesday afternoon.

Was it a particular gameplan that made the difference or perhaps some incredible motivational tool?

“I never have any idea what to expect,” Gehring said about the 58-23 victory against Wauneta-Palisade.

High expectations would be satisfied with this effort, especially how the Red Devils rebounded from a home loss to rival Rawlins County, Kan., Friday night.

Junior Alyssa Van Vleet’s 26 points played a superb part of the Devils’ success whether she attacked outside or drove inside.

Teammate Anna Carter provided the great post presence (12 points and reserve guard Melody Koerperich provided another excellent spark.

Koerperich netted another nine points.

However, numbers not in the scoring column also raised Decatur’s great improvement.

“I think it started with defense,” Gehring said about allowing Wauneta-Palisade to make just 10 of 47 shots (21 percent). “And we rebounded well.”

Carter pulled down nine rebounds and junior Erin May grabbed eight.

The Red Devils advance into a huge challenge against unbeaten returning state tourney team Hitchcock County (2-0) in Friday’s semifinals.

Meanwhile, the Broncos (1-2) were missing two players due to injuries.

They won’t play in a second straight Trail title game, yet can rebound against Medicine Valley in Friday’s consolation semis.

DECATUR (58) — Alyssa Van Vleet 26 points, Anna Carter 12, Melody Koerperich 9, Sage Lohoefner 3, Amy Wentz 3, Kennedy Jensen 2, Emma Anderson 2, Jean Soderlund 1.

W-P (23) — Monique Gooden 8 points, Michaela Dukes 6, Destany Simpson 4, Alexa Sandman 3, Maycee Wheeler 2.

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