Bison play strong 'D' early, but Haymakers win

McCook junior Bailey Bonn's determined to get around a tall obstacle in Cozad senior Sarah Yochum during Tuesday's game at McCook High School. Photo by Steve Towery/McCook Gazette.

McCOOK, Neb. -- Feisty defense was fun to watch as McCook's girls kept Cozad within striking distance for awhile Tuesday night.

Whoa!

That blur was Bison sophomore Robin Grigg, who made such a stunningly clean steal that Cozad's guard nearly fell over while fouling Grigg.

Other Bison were getting hands in passing lanes and constantly breaking any Haymaker hopes of sustained momentum.

"It was tough in the second quarter," Cozad coach Brent Frauen said about his team being outscored 8-6.

The second half looked even better when Bison junior Jaden Bryant powered inside to a three-point play.

Despite making only one first-half basket, McCook was only trailing by six points at 17-11.

But then the Haymakers began making baskets -- far too many while finally breaking away to their 47-26 win on McCook's home floor.

"We showed flashes. We play well in spurts of a few minutes than play badly for a few," Bison coach Scott Leisy said. "Getting more consistent has to be one of our number one goals."

Cozad (3-2 record) finally found consistent inside-outside offense from senior forward Sarah Yochum and sophomore guard Brenna Dugan.

Dugan drilled a pair of daggers during the 20-point Cozad third quarter. The Haymakers doubled their 17-8 halftime lead to 37-19.

"It was good to get her (Dugan) going. She hasn't been shooting that well," Frauen observed.

Again, McCook made some great moments like junior Cassidy Redl connecting twice from long distance.

Redl's second bomb would have been fantastic in a closer contest. It banked high off the glass and through with only about five seconds remaining.

The Bison delivered some strong non-scoring plays like junior JoAnn Neel's steal.

Junior Bailey Honn forgot about frustrating first-half foul trouble and pulled down a late rebound.

Senior Faith Hansen made one smooth layup and Holly Grigg hit another triple earlier in this contest.

The Bison (0-5 record) will be tested twice more during their second consecutive three-game week.

They visit North Platte Friday evening and move on to play a Saturday contest at Holdrege.

No individual stats were obtained Tuesday.