The Closing Chapter

On Friday the Lady Tigers won the District Championship against the Braymer Bobcats. The girls came out fired up and were ready to go. “Our energy was at a season high coming into the district championship game.  You could tell the girls really wanted to win and I could see it in their eyes they were ready to go.” said Coach Andy Hampton when talking about the girls’ energy before the game. Going into the district tournament the girls were seeded second, and Braymer was seeded first. It was a very intense game, right off the bat the Lady Tigers hit 4 threes in a row. The Bobcats had to keep switching up defense to try and stop the drive, but also stop them from shooting. Not only were they doing good on that end of the ball, they were killing it on defense. “I feel like our defense really won us that game. We all knew what we needed to do and we did it.” said Makayla Simsheuser. The girls kept up the energy the whole game and never let up. They had a great crowd there, and a great student section. Every Time there was a timeout or a dead ball they were cheering. 

The girls went on to play Monday in Plattonsburg for sectionals. Sadly this game ended the Lady Tigers season. “I have never in my life played for a team that was as bonded as this one. It was truly special. I honestly think that this year we ended on the best possible note. I have never felt so insanely accomplished and happy as when we won districts after coming off a nine game losing streak. The excitement in that gym was palpable and I felt so connected to the community. Winning that game after everyone dogged on us all season, was such a great way to make them eat their words. Coach Hampton and Coach Megan always kept faith that we could win, and I think that really impacted us going in. This season was my best season, skill wise and family wise, because that’s what it truly felt like- family. So many positive things came out of this year, and I’ll never forget it.” said Corinna Utterback. This team was very close, and it is going to be sad next year without the seniors. Congratulations to the Lady Tigers on a great season.