Arapahoe girls get 'breakthrough win' over Trojans

A matchup fans might see for some time: Arapahoe sophomore Emerson Swanson (right) driving against Cambridge freshman Bailee Ahlemeyer Tuesday night. Swanson scored a game-high 16 points to lead the Warriors' win at Cambridge High.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — A snowball’s chance became an avalanche of success once the Arapahoe girls got rolling Tuesday night.

Trailing 12-4 early, sophomore Emerson Swanson’s two three-pointers sparked a complete outlook change.

The Warriors closed within a basket by halftime, then took charge late while running away to their 40-34 victory.

Coach Preston Blackmore certainly hopes it’s a breakthrough win for his young Warriors (6-15), who’ve played some close contests all season.

“This has to rank as one of the best since I’ve been here. I know it’s been awhile since we have won at Cambridge,” he proclaimed. “Yeah, we may to have to play them again next week, but we want to enjoy this one tonight.”

Cambridge slipped to 11-11 overall following a tough defeat at North Platte St. Patrick’s on Saturday.

Swanson’s 16 points led the Warriors while junior post Hope Koller powered inside for 13.

“Hope’s such a great leader for us. When we are down, she lifts us back up,” Blackmore explained.

Freshman Berkley Warner dropped in five points with another four from junior Tracy Roskop.

Sophomores Hilary Downey and Gentry Warner each added a free throw.