All Saints Girls Post-season Run Ends in 41-40 Loss to Deckerville
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The Lady Cougars band together after their heartbreaking loss.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Emerging from a tough season with only two wins, the Cougar ladies left many shocked in the wake of their successful defense of their district title. The Cougars successful post-season run definitely overshadows their bitter season record. Unfortunately for the Cougars, that post-season run ended with a heartbreaking end to what had been a Cougar-controlled game.
Key defensive plays from #42 Julie Spyhalski help the Cougars keep this game even.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Senior Molly Neymeiyer #20 teams up with Spyhalski to stop Amber Alexander.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Right from the get-go, the determined Cougars proved that, despite their record, they had earned their place in the regional semi-finals. Using all the skill they could muster, the Cougars threw everything they had at their opponent, the Lancers from Auburn Hills Oakland Christian. For the first seven minutes of the opening period of play, the Cougars and Lancers remained in a tie, but, near the end of the period, the Cougars patience paid off. Two consecutive last minute baskets put the Cougars up 13-9. Though the game was far from over, the Cougars held the lead.
ASC's Ashley Bowker shoots over these two defenders.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Senior Jeanie Heintskill tosses in a 3 pointer to start a run on Cougar points.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
In the opening moments of the second period, the Lancers fought back and actually took the lead for a short while. Down by two, the Cougar defense tightened up and refused to let the Lancers add to their narrow lead. Three minutes into the period, the Cougars knotted it up again with a timely basket from #12 Jeanie Heintskill. Hientskill's basket triggered a surge on offense for the Cougars who, by the end of the period, racked up a significant 24-19 lead.
Senior Taylor Timm adds to the Cougar score.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
The Cougars had plenty of fans out in Deckerville - including some of the Varsity fellas who won their first District game on Monday.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
The Cougars held their ground in the third period. Besieged by the Lancers offense, the Cougars had to step up their game to hang onto their lead. Though the Lancers got within only one basket of tying All Saints score, the Cougars always managed to score a timely basket to maintain the narrow deficit separating them and the Lancers. At the end of a long, tiring third period the score stood at 32-28 favoring the Cougars; but with the score that close the Cougars knew they would have to hold nothing back in the final period of play.
Defense was key to holding the lead as the Cougars went into the 4th quarter.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Lancer Emily Sweet isn't too happy as Molly Neymeiyer gets this pass off.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Below: Key baskets in the 4th kept the Cougars in the game.(Left) Julie Spyhalski - Junior (Right)Taylor Timm -Senior .
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
In the defensive showdown that was the fourth period, every point was invaluable. For eight minutes, the Cougars played their game - and played it well. The Cougars managed to hang onto their lead until only one minute and thirty seconds remained on the clock. The Cougars had just concluded an offensive surge that had given them a 38-33 lead over the tired Lancers.
Senior Brittnay Case shoots from the line for the Cougars.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Things were going well for the Cougars, but that changed with just two shots. The Lancers rallied and put two 3-pointers of the board to change the course of the game in their favor 39-38 with just 43.5 seconds to go. To add to the Cougars troubles, the Lancers added two free throw points to their score to give them a 41-38 lead.
Soph #15 Amber Alexander was a key player for the Lancers - and their top point getter with 16.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
The Lady Cougars come back onto the court ready to score after their timeout.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
The Cougars regained possession of the ball and coach Duane Gorlewski called a timeout to plan his strategy. Only 6.4 seconds remained on the clock. The Cougars missed the initial shot, but the rebound was caught and put it by junior #42 Julie Spyhalski; who was fouled on the way down. With the score at 41-40; and no time left on the clock, Julie headed to the free throw line to make one fateful shot. Sadly, the shot hit the rim and bounced away, effectively ending the Cougars basketball season.
Julie Spyhalski sets for her free throw, while the Lancer girls await their regional future.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Cougars managed to protect their 6 year run of District Titles. This season was in no way, shape, or form a bad season. The Cougar ladies played hard and never gave up. Head coach Duane Gorlewski says his team "gave me everything I expected from them." Coach Gorlewski insists no one can blame Spyhalski because "we lost as a team, we went 4 for 14 at the free-throw line tonight and that's been our Achilles heel all season." Gorlewski says he "plans on coaching next year", and said he looks forward to working with the future leaders of the Cougar team with these words: "we've got a good group coming up next year, but we've got a lot of work to do."
Though the Cougars now have to hang up their jerseys and pack away the sweatbands, the ladies of All Saints capped off another stellar post-season run, along with holding unto their district brag. For the six seniors who were on the roster this year, they have established an excellent legacy for those Cougars that will follow in their footsteps in coming years.
Remembering happier times - Above: The Lady Cougars celebrate their District Title. Below: Ladies your fans love you - and won't forget you.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
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