Tiger girls rally late to edge McCook

McCook High’s dance team showed their flexibility again on Saturday during the Bison home basketball games with Minden. The Bison play Lexington Tuesday evening at McCook High School.

Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

HASTINGS, Neb. — McCook’s varsity girls controlled three quarters until the Hastings Tigers suddenly rallied for a 47-39 home win Friday evening.

A 15-3 fourth period allowed the Tigers to reach 6-3 this season despite Bison senior Mackenzie Smith’s game-high 22 points.

“We did an awesome job against their mand defenses. When Hastings switched to a zone, the girls did a good job,” coach Amy Scheil said. “We just ended up not making many shots which gave them (the Tigers) momentum.”

The Tigers buried seven three-pointers which helped offset Bison inside dominance.

Smith made nine of her 13 field goals for almost 70 percent shooting. She was almost unstoppable while helping the Bison build a 15-9 advantage through one quarter.

Post parter Jayceea Hanson shot 60 percent (three of five) but the other Bison teamed to hit just four more field goals.

Sophomore Liviya Wier (seven points), freshman Peyton Doucet (two) and Tiara Matson (tw0) were those other Bison shot makers.

Hastings also doubled McCook’s made free throws by a 12-6 final count.

Yet Scheil still mentioned plenty of positives as McCook quickly recovered for a 45-33 home win over Minden Saturday afternoon.

“Both games were a total team effort with everyone on the same page, which was good to see,” she concluded.

The Bison play again on Thursday when Lexington visits McCook High School. Varsity action should begin around 5:30 p.m.