Girls basketball loses close game to Abernathy, 43-36

By Melissa McCaghren

Slatonite GM

The Slaton Tigerette basketball team lost a tough game against the Abernathy Lady Lopes, 43-36 Friday evening (Jan. 22) in Abernathy.

Head Coach Tiffany Potts said the loss was disappointing, but it was a case of someone had to lose.

“The Abernathy game was competitive from start to finish.  We had a little bit of a scoring drought in the fourth quarter that let Abernathy take a lead,” she said. “We struggled taking care of the basketball and lost possessions cost us a win.  Abernathy did a great job on the offensive boards throughout the night.”

Potts added the team had several highlights in the close game. “Andrea Moreno had a fantastic game on the offensive end.  She did a great job being aggressive and looking to score when she caught the ball in the paint and on cuts,” she said. “Defensively, Samantha Gatica and Natali Soto were able to hold Abernathy’s top scorer to just five points for the night.

The team did not play last Tuesday (Jan. 16), which an off day was on the schedule, and Potts said they made the most use of it they could.

“We took advantage of the open date to really work on cleaning up our offensive game in terms of execution and continuity,” she said. “In a District as tough as ours, it was nice to have some time to physically rest and work on details of the game.”

This is especially true as the District has the defending State champion Shallowater team and State ranked Idalou.

The team played Roosevelt Tuesday evening (Jan. 26) at home and will play Tulia on Friday (Jan. 29) in Tulia.

Potts said these games are crucial if the team, currently fourth in District, is to have a chance to advance.

“If we want to extend our season into the playoffs, we must win both games this week with Roosevelt and Tulia,” she said.

“It is vital that we come out and win all of the effort battels-hustle, rebounding, transition defense, and 50/50 balls.  Both games were close the first time and I am looking forward to seeing the growth we have made as a team the last three weeks.”