Lady Bulldogs defeather the Ducks
“It was a very close game for three-and-a-half quarters until we pulled away midway through the fourth quarter,” Cavender said. “Taylor had a big advantage in size on the inside and forced us to play zone around the basket on defense and cover out on their shooters. Our pressure defense came up with some big steals and easy baskets once we got adjusted to their alignment. It was a big win for the kids.”
Cavender said senior point guard Manda Martin and 5-foot 6-inch junior Shanise Graeter spearheaded the defensive effort on the perimeter. The second-year Lady Dawg varsity coach also applauded his forwards and posts for controlling the Lady Ducks’ big post player and limiting her to 12 points.
The Lady Dawgs sped to a 15-12 first-quarter lead, but Taylor powered back with a 14-10 second-period run for a 26-25 lead going into intermission. Burnet jumped ahead in the third quarter with a 16-12 burst and then exploded for a 20-8 run and a 15-point non-district victory.
Graeter led Burnet with 24 points and drew praise from her coach.
“She seems to have turned the corner in her game performances and looks really good playing right now,” Cavender said.
Veteran guards Mandi Lindley finished with 10 points and Martin contributed 11. Juniors Kerystn Towslee and Eden Sultemeir dropped in seven and six points, respectively. Mckinsey Cozart added two and Jessica Robinson came up with one point.
Cavender said that Brooke Rockafellow, Callie Smith, Tara Canty, Allison McClennen, Stormie Wilfong and Christina Henderson also made significant contributions for the win.
With a 4-4 mark and the District 8-3A opener against Wimberley Dec. 19, Cavender remains pleased with his team’s progress, including the Lady Dawgs’ transition game.
“Being able to run as well and as often as we have early in the season has been a pleasant surprise,” Cavender said. “It is speeding up the game and to this point no one has been able to slow that part of our game down, but it all still falls back to shooting.”
He said the volleyball players, who joined the squad late after the playoffs, have made major improvements and position adjustments, mainly with his guards, have produced some very positive results.
The Lady Dawgs host their annual Burnet Tournament Friday and Saturday and have a major test Tuesday at Marble Falls. The cross-county match against the Lady Mustangs is slated for a 7:45 p.m. start.