Topside Tourney win: McCook girls 49, Wray 38

GOODLAND, Neb. — McCook's offense found second-half life as junior Brooklyn Gillen scored 15 points and senior Kori Rippen added 10 in a 49-38 consolation victory over Wray, Colo., tonight.

The Bison trailed almost halfway through quarter three until sophomore Jaylea Walgreen's two free throws forged a 25-24 lead. Walgren hit a big three-pointer earlier that caught the Eagles at 11-11.

Teamwork really fueled the Bison's third victory this season (3-1 record). ripped went inside then found freshman Cali Crawford for another clutch corner triple turning 26-25 into a 29-25 Bison advantage.

Rippen found Crawford for two inside points, then Cali C. returned the favor. She was stopped along the baseline only to put a clean bounce pass into Rippen's hands, who scored to make it 35-30 through three periods.

The Bison were never caught again. Gillen showed her driving skills, motoring through a small gap right of the basket and turning into one "traditional" three-point play.

Rippen made her own good post move to score another two points. When she teamed with Crawford on another high-low play, Crawford's inside score gave the Bison a 43-34 margin.

Junior Malia Hilker's driving baseline shot basically clinched this McCook win. They are set to play Topside Tourney finale at noon on Saturday.

Crawford tallied seven points and Walgren five according to unofficial stats.