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(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Camren Mallory throws a jump pass in one of the Ladycats’ previous matchups. The Ladycats fought hard in their bi-district matchup Monday, Feb. 16 against Saint Jo but lost a thriller 29-27. -
(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Kenzie King attempts a free throw in one of the Ladycats’ previous matchups. King will be a veteran leader for the Ladycats next season.
The Newcastle Ladycats got into postseason action with a bi-district matchup against the Saint Jo Lady Panthers.
Unfortunately for the Ladycats, their season came to an end in the first round, losing a heartbreaker 29-27.
Despite the loss, head coach Ryan Dollar said it was a privilege to watch this team grow over the course of the season.
“I have been blessed to coach these young ladies this year,” Dollar said. “Our pre-season schedule was brutal and we lost lots of games early by big deficits. These Ladycats could have thrown in the towel at any point and their attitudes could have gone south, but they stayed the course. It was truly amazing to watch this team grow and learn throughout the year.”
The Ladycats got off to a slow start offensively, according to Dollar, as a result of Saint Jo playing a relentless half court defense which forced the Ladycats into difficult shots and sets.
The team trailed at halftime but started to get into a rhythm offensively in the third quarter to make it a close game.
In the fourth quarter it all came down to one final play. The Ladycats were able to score on an inbound pass with four tenths of a second left on the game clock and had the ball for the closing shot of the game.
It was a well fought game but there was not enough time left on the game clock for the Ladycats to establish a game winning shot.
However, there is a lot to look forward to when it comes to the future of Ladycats basketball.
Dollar acknowledged that losing Emma Hawkins will be a major loss for the team, however the team will have three members stepping up as seniors and every player on the roster gained necessary experience to “continue moving this program in a winning direction.”
