N.P. girls fight off furious McCook comeback

McCook sophomore Paige Bortner (30) fired in 13 points against the North Platte Bulldogs defense during Friday night’s varsity basketball game at McCook High. The Bison delivered a memorable second-half comeback but fell short as those Bulldogs prevailed 57-52.

Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — Sophomores Paige Bortner and Brooklyn Gillen sparked a terrific McCook comeback with 25 combined points Friday night.

Yet early double-digit deficits were still a bit too much as visiting North Platte (3-14 record) held on the 57-52 win at McCook High.

“Unfortunately, we got off to a slow start against North Platte, the girls were playing hard but our shot didn’t fall in the first half,” coach Amy Scheil said. We got about 10 points behind and spent the rest of the game clawing to get back in it. We cut there lead to two a couple times during the 4th quarter but were never able to get over the deficit. Paige Bortner came off the bench and played well and really gave us a spark.”

The Bison were missing senior leader Joy Rippen due to illness. They should be at full strength tonight when they invade Minden for a 6 p.m. Southwest Conference tourney game.

North Platte 57, McCook 52

BISON (5-8) — Paige Bortner 13 points, Brooklyn Gillen 12, Shawna Wilkinson 10, Tori Honn 7, Gracie Wiemers 6, Kennedy Walter 4. Three-pointers : Gillen 2, Wilkinson 1, Wiemers 1, Bortner 1. Rebound leaders: Wilkinson 6, Honn 5, Gillen 4, Wiemers 4. Assists: Wilkinson 2. Steals: Wilkinson 4, Gillen 2.