Lady Tigers smother Lady Wildcats
Sulphur Springs offense over-powered by Texas High defense
Senior Jalyn Golette attempts a basket against the Sulphur Springs Lady Wildcats on Dec. 17, 2023. The Tiger defense smothered the Lady Wildcat offense leading to a 55-30 victory.
December 21, 2021
The Lady Tigers improved their district record to 2-0 in a 15 point win over the Lady Wildcats of Sulphur Spring on Dec 17.
The Lady Tigers presented a strong defensive game right out the gate in the first quarter. The Tigers got multiple stops in a row, and forced multiple turnovers allowing early offensive success.
Junior Emma Prince drained three three-point shots in a row to set the tone offensively in the first quarter.
“My goal for my offensive game was to let the game come to me and not force any shots,” Prince said.
Defensive rebounds kept the Lady Tigers ahead of the Wildcats, with a score of 15-8 after the first quarter. I focused on getting open, moving without the ball and getting in position to get rebounds. — Emma Prince
The Lady Tigers continued to play clean defense through the second quarter, with no more than three iffy foul calls.
“My goal defensively was to not get in foul trouble,” senior Jalyn Golette said. “I wanted to make sure that I communicated with my teammates to play tough defense.”
The Lady Cats were unable to beat the full court press set by the Tigers, which resulted in multiple forced turnovers and added points to the Lady Tiger score.
The Tiger offense battled through the Wildcat defense and began playing at a more physical level at the end of the second quarter. The Lady Tigers lead the Lady Cats 32-18 at the half.
The strong Tiger defense held strong going into the third quarter. A hefty collection of both defensive and offensive rebounds kept the Tigers ahead by 15 plus points through the third. The third quarter was quiet, however, the Tigers held their lead at the end of the quarter, 40-25.
The fourth quarter proved to be no different. The Lady Tigers continued to smother the Lady Cats with an intense defense.
By forcing turnovers, getting up and down the court fast, and finding each other offensively, the Lady Tigers closed the fourth quarter with a strong lead.
Overall, the defensive game of the Tigers gave way for offensive success throughout the entire night.
Prince scratched off 18 points for the Tigers, followed by senior Ashanti Northcross with 11.
The Lady Cats were unsuccessful in their attempt to penetrate the Tiger defensive front, allowing the Lady Tigers to prevail over the Cats 55-30.
Through preparation for this district match up, the team has just focused on doing their individual jobs, and doing the little things right, to come out on top in their district start.
“My mentality was to go in for the win,” Golette said. “I knew that I needed to do my job this game to continue having a good start to district play.”
