Coach Mark Bottom took a fourth quarter timeout after Bridgeport had pulled within two points of tying the game, telling his team they needed to work harder for the rebounds. (Johnson Publications photo)
Mallie McNair sends off one of the four free throws she hit in the fourth quarter, as her older sister Taylin, in background, hangs on to a sign reading, “You can’t stop my sister.” (Johnson Publications photo)
Despite pressure from Bridgeport’s Brittany Nelson, left, and Kaitlyn Nein, Chase County’s Ragan Nickless goes up for two of her early points in the third place SPVA game. She finished with 14 points to lead all scorers in the Chase County win. (Johnson Publications photo)
Lady Longhorns capture third in SPVA tourney
Despite a No. 5 seed in January’s annual SPVA Conference Tournament, the Lady Longhorns captured third place Saturday, defeating a spirited Bridgeport team, the No. 2 seed, 45-39.
That helped ease the pain a bit after a loss to St. Pat’s in the semi-finals two days earlier. Coach Mark Bottom believes his team could have returned to the championship game this year if not for a poor first quarter against the Lady Irish on Thursday.
The loss to St. Pat’s sent Chase County to the third place game against Bridgeport, who lost to the eventual champions, Hershey.
Hershey’s 36-32 victory over St. Pat’s in the championship game continued a 12-game winning streak for the Lady Panthers.
Chase County has placed either second or third in the last four SPVA tournaments. Last year, they lost to St. Pat’s in the finals for second, placed third in 2016 and second in 2015. Those followed a seventh place finish in 2014.
Chase County’s 2-1 tournament showing last week bumped their record to 11-7.
Bridgeport game
No. 2 seed Bridgeport came into the SPVA consolation game sporting an 11-4 record, but had a tough time contending with Chase County’s inside game.
Nickless had a great night for Chase County, scoring 14 and grabbing 12 rebounds for another double-double. McNair was also in double figures with 13.
The Lady Longhorns took the 45-39 win despite close first, second and third quarters with Chase County holding onto a slim 33-32 lead after three.
In the third, Bridgeport gained their first lead since the opening quarter with a three-pointer 30 seconds into the quarter. A free throw tied it 25-25, then a two-pointer put them up 27-25.
A layup from Nickless tied it 27-27, but Bridgeport responded on their next possession with their own bucket, leading 29-27.
Buckets from Owings, Nickless and Page gave Chase County the 33-32 edge as the third quarter buzzer sounded.
Despite several Chase County turnovers from bad passes and Bridgeport steals, the Lady Longhorns outscored the Lady Bulldogs 12-7 in the final stanza.
Four free throws from McNair in the final minute were also key as they held onto the six-point win before Bridgeport hit a trey with four seconds left.
From the field, Chase County hit 17-40 (43 percent) and connected 5-16 on free throws (31 percent).
In other stats, McNair had four assists and three steals, while Gockley also was credited with three steals.
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