BY HAILEY BROWN
On Tuesday January 16, the girls varsity basketball team took on the McArthur Mustangs at McArthur High School. The two teams proved to be very competitive, keeping the game close to the very last minute. In the last 40 seconds of the game, the Lady Cowboys lost the game 39-36.
As the game began, both teams fought hard for the ball causing it to be a very equal game. The Lady Cowboys were able to keep the lead most of the game. The game started off with the Cowboys winning the jump ball and Cooper City was able to get the ball down the court and get a pass in the paint. Junior Isabella Wisler was able to make the easy lay up and get the Cowboys two points. The Mustangs were able to capitalize off of the Cowboys mistakes and bring the ball back for two points. Senior Amanda Rosales was fouled at the hoop, giving the Cowboys a free throw. Rosales was able to make both shots and give the Cowboys two more points. As the Cowboys brought the ball down again, they were able to find Wisler for an open three, adding another three points to the board.
Once the teams hit the court again, both kept the same level of intensity as they had before. They continued to steal the ball from each other which kept the score very tight. Kia Keppel was able to receive a pass while she was unguarded and make a three point shot, putting another three points on the board for Cooper City. The Mustangs were able to dribble through Cooper City’s defense and make an easy lay up. With the Cowboys back in possession of the ball, they were able to find Sophia Pera for a close range jump shot, adding another two points on the board. Kassandra Espinosa was found outside with no man on her, making an open three. The Cowboys were able to put themselves ahead by five points, ending the half with a score of 25-20.
After halftime, both teams went at it again battling for any points they could get. Espinosa was able to make it through the Mustangs’ defense and make multiple layups, giving the Cowboys a cushion. The Cowboys continued to get fouled and were brought to the line many times. They were able to sink 13 points in, just free throws alone, before the game ended.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Kaia Weaver was fouled and was able to make both shots. Espinosa was also found in the paint, putting another two points up. As the game came to its final minutes, the Cowboys were down by one point. The Cowboys tried to get the ball down the court as soon as possible to make a simple two point shot to secure the lead before time ran out. Instead, the Cowboys lost the ball and McArthur was able to bring it back and put themselves ahead by three points, finishing the game with a score of 39-36.
Final score: Cooper City 36, McArthur 39
Photo by Ryan Sullivan
