Bison girls top Cougars to cap tourney

Senior Mackenzie Smith drives around a defender during McCook’s three games at the Topside Tipoff Tournament in Goodland, Kan., last weekend. The Bison play their home opener Tuesday evening.

Kevin Bottrell/Goodland Star-News

GOODLAND, Kan. — McCook’s varsity girls broke a halftime tie and took home their first win, 50-45, over Burlington (Kan.) on Saturday to cap Topside Tipoff Tournament play.

Senior Brooke Stewart caught fire for the Bison (1-2), shooting 60 percent on threes (three for five) and overall (six for 10) as the Bison reached their highest point total so far this season.

The Bison shot a super six for 13 overall behind that while also holding Burlington to 26 percent shooting (14 for 53) in this seventh-place game.

Coach Amy Scheil’s girls gained momentum for their home opener Tuesday evening when Cozad’s Haymakers come to McCook.

They took a 10-9 through one quarter and didn’t get shook even though Burlington caught them 22-22 entering halftime.

Senior Mackenzie Smith complemented outside success with four for seven field goals inside the paint.

Junior Brolin Morgan, sophomore Tiara Matson and freshman Payton Doucet all hit triples for the Bison.

McCook (1-2 record) also shook off a 58-31 loss to Yuma, Colo., on Friday.

Stewart scored eight points with five rebounds. Freshman Aiddison Randel hit both her field goals and finished with six points.

Matson and sophomore Emma Kehler contributed four points each.

However, Cody Robinson’s 28 paced Yuma.

McCOOK (50) — Brooke Stewart 18 points, Mackenzie Smith 12, Tiara Matson 5, Addison Randel 4, Brolin Morgan 3, Payton Doucet 3, Ashley Miller 3, Jayceea Hanson 2. Three-pointers: Stewart 3, Doucet, Morgan, Matson. Rebound leaders: Smith 6, Hanson 5, Emma Kehler 5. Steals: Stewart 2.