McCook girls get offensive in Sunflower showdowns

McCook senior Joy Rippen (left) looked past defenders to hit two three-pointers during the first quarter Saturday.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

GOODLAND, Kan. — They averaged nearly 60 points in three games with a 22-2 first quarter igniting Saturday’s Topside Tournament finale.

Sure, Old Mo’momentum changed unis more times than the McCook High girls wanted to see.

They fell 15 points behind on Thursday and shot back within three, then built an eight-point halftime lead Friday only to lose by 15.

“Our girls played good defense, just sometimes the other team gets hot,” coach Amy Scheil said about Friday’s 68-53 loss to Colby, Kan.

Yet Saturday was all about winning as seniors Shawna Wilkinson and Joy Rippen both hit two first-quarter threes.

Bison defense also owned momentum, forcing 11 Ulysses, Kan., turnovers in the first quarter.

McCook took a 20-point lead and didn’t allow one field goal until almost midway through period two.

Senior Gracie Wiemers’ triple at the buzzer finished a 40-14 first half. She hit another shot after the break of a 56-26 Bison big win.

“Our pressure really gave Ulysses a hard time and we were able to get our offense rolling off their turnovers,” Scheil explained. “It was nice to get ahead so all the girls got playing time against their varsity starters.”

The Bison (2-3 record) featured 10 players hitting shots including sophomore reserves Briley Morgan, Roslyn Wiemers and Malia Hilker.

“Offensively we are coming along. We scored a lot of points against some very good teams who are rated in their states,” the coach explained. “So I believe if the girls continue to work hard and play together, good things are going to happen.”

“Also, there is a lot of girls stepping up and contributing a lot which is awesome to see,” Scheil concluded.

They also swiped 12 steals from the Ulysses Tigers, winless at 0-4 but scored 60 and 52 points in two of their previous contests.

McCook’s other Topside loss was 65-60 to eventual tourney finalist Burlington, Colo.

The Cougars (4-1) are rated Top 10 among teams in their class.

Unfortunately, McCook won’t build on momentum tonight since a home game vs. 1-4 Cozad was postponed due to potential bad weather.