GARDEN CITY, KANSAS – The Kearney Girls basketball team found their recipe for success on Monday, playing stout defensively and only allowing three scorers for the Buffaloes as the Bearcats found their sixth win four hours from home in a 36-21 victory. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
Kearney entered the contest at 5-3 on the year and looking to kick off the new year in the right way with a win far from home. Garden City was winless entering the game, but had looked competitive in close losses throughout the first third of the season.
The Bearcats took advantage with their defense early, attacking Garden City and forcing tough shots to limit offensive possessions. Garden City was not allowed to enter a true offensive set until a few minutes into the contest, as the smothering full-court pressure by the Bearcats enveloped the Buffaloes attack.
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Kearney followed their strong defensive start with a hot offensive shooting streak. Kierstynn Garner gave her usual performance, dropping a casual triple in the open and adding a second later in the quarter. Meanwhile, Tatum Rusher added a triple of her own, while her and Harley Strake added lay-ins. The Bearcats defense led the way to a 13-9 lead to end the first quarter.
The Bearcats continued their defensive presence, only allowing 5 points in both the second and third quarters. Although the Kearney offense was stifled by turnovers and missed opportunities, the Bearcats still had success hitting triples from Maddy Province. Straka added another lay-in and Rusher knocked down back-to-back free throws. With some Bearcats collecting fouls early, Kelsey Hatcher added her first points on the season with a drive and attack for two points. The Bearcats led at the end of the first half 23-14.
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Much of the same in the third quarter; strong defensive play from Kearney stifled the Garden City offense, but the Bearcats could not find their offensive rhythm – only adding 5 points of their own. Bearcats led 27-19 at the end of the third.
Kearney closed out the contest by not breaking nor bending to the Garden City attack, as Amaya Gallegos – the Buffaloes leading scorer on the night – could only muster two points for her team in the final quarter. The Bearcats added 9 of their own, finishing the 36-21 win.
Kearney, now 6-3 on the season, had contributions from Rusher with 15 points, 6 by Kierstynn Garner, 4 each by Kaleigh Hatcher, Straka, and Province, Kelsey Hatcher had 2 points, and a single point provided by Haidyn Skeen.
The Bearcats continue a busy week ahead: Thursday Kearney travels to North Platte, then will hit the road to take on Lincoln Southeast on Friday. The week concludes with an appearance in the Nebraska Girls Basketball Showcase on Saturday night as the Bearcats host the York Dukes at Kearney High School.
