Girls find winning recipe: strong offense, rebounds

Currently on a two-game winning streak, Boulder City High School girls basketball team defeated Mater Academy East 59-45 on Friday, Dec. 9.

The Lady Eagles recently found an identity and a recipe for winning ball games. Of their 59 points, 44 were scored in the paint. They also outrebounded Mater Academy East, including a staggering 22 offensive rebounds to create second-chance opportunities.

“We did a great job balancing transition and running our offense,” said girls head coach Brian Bradshaw. “Our movement was exceptional. This is also the second consecutive game we have outrebounded our opponent and I definitely contribute this to being more aggressive and balancing the floor.”

Crashing the boards with effort, junior Julia Carmichael pulled down a game-high 16 rebounds, while senior Callie Torgesen added 11 rebounds.

Making the most of the Lady Eagles’ opportunities offensively, senior Kennedy Barrow scored 22 points with eight rebounds, and senior Bree Leavitt scored 15 points with six assists. Senior Ashley Mendez added eight points, while Carmichael and Torgesen each score six points.

“During the past two games, we have shot an average of 40 percent from the field,” Bradshaw said. “Our shot selection is much better and our shooters are starting to gain more confidence. A strength of this team is our ability to shoot and drive to the basket.”

Playing off of the momentum from their previous victory, the Lady Eagles soared high into their contest with Mater Academy East after defeating Somerset Losee three days prior on a buzzer beater in overtime. Fighting for a 49-47 victory, the Lady Eagles handled the adversity with poise, which coach Bradshaw said he hopes carries into the rest of the season.

Trailing the entire overtime period, Leavitt hit a three-pointer with 14 seconds left, followed by a Torgesen jump shot at the end of regulation.

“I give all of our kids credit because they knew exactly what to do at the end of the game,” Bradshaw said. “I was proud of them not only winning the game but winning the game on the road in a tough environment against a very good basketball team. This team has the mental toughness to compete and it definitely showed tonight.”

The Lady Eagles hope to carry the momentum of three wins in their past four games into the Green Valley holiday tournament, which starts Dec. 27.

Contact Robert Vendettoli at BCRsports@gmail.com.