Lady Cougars notch two wins in return to conference play

The Lady Cougars mounted a spirited comeback Monday night in 2A-3 conference play, but fell just short of a win, losing to Riverside 59-57 in Caraway. Riverside jumped out to an 18-7 first quarter advantage, but Rector clawed their way to trail by a mere four points, 28-24, going into the half. The Lady Cougars were behind 45-38 going into the fourth.

Rector was able to keep right with their opponent late, thanks in large part to a strong final quarter performance by junior Stephanie DeMent. DeMent buried five of seven free throws in the frame, as she notched 13 in the period and 17 overall to lead the Lady Cougars.

Crissy Crawford and Hillary Calhoun had 15 and 14, respectively, for Rector. Also scoring were Rhoda Classen 8, Destinei Heathcott 2 and Sarah Hester 1.

Katey Campbell led Riverside with 18 points.

Win at Home

The Lady Cougars squeaked by with a 49-48 win over Turrell Saturday night in Rector.

Crissy Crawford sank four clutch free throws in the final 1:30 to give the home team the advantage, and ultimately, the win. Rector had trailed 48-45 with just under three minutes to play, but Crawford was able to get to the line twice, with 1:21 and 1:18 remaining, respectively, to give the Lady Cougars the necessary shot in the arm.

Calhoun led Rector with 16 points, followed by 12 from Crawford and 11 from DeMent. Also scoring for the Lady Cougars were Rebecca Dodd 3, Heathcott 3, Classen 2 and Hester 2.

Junior Girls

The Junior Lady Cougars were 48-38 winners in their game with Turrell. Rector led throughout: 9-8; 27-15 and 35-27.

Kelsey Wynn paced the Junior Lady Cougars with 14 points. Allison Duncan and Jesse Scott finished with 11 and 10, respectively. Other scorers were Kelly Fowler 4, Heather Scott 4, Amanda Bradford 3 and Kaitlyn Essman 2.

Win at Caraway

The Lady Cougars were on the road in Monette Friday night, where they topped host Buffalo Island Central, 64-56. Rector fell behind 14-10 after the first quarter and 29-27 at the half, but refused to go away. The Lady Cougars led 49-40 going into the fourth.

Calhoun led Rector with 22 points in the victory. Crawford finished with 15, while DeMent had 13 points. Also scoring were Heathcott 5, Classen 4, Emily Cornelison 2, Hester 1 and Dodd 1.

Juniors fall to BIC

The Junior Lady Cougars were downed in their meeting with BIC, 40-20. Rector trailed throughout: 6-3; 17-9 and 26-16.

Duncan led Rector with a double-double, netting 10 points and ripping down 13 rebounds. Also scoring were Heather Scott 5, Wynn 2, Fowler 2 and Jesse Scott 1.

Loss to Riverside

The Lady Cougars returned to the hardwood after a length delay on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The time away seemed to slow the squad, as Rector fell to host Riverside, 68-49. The Lady Cougars trailed throughout: 17-11; 35-23 and 60-39.

Calhoun and Crawford shined for Rector, netting 22 and 20 points, respectively. Also scoring were DeMent 3, Hester 2 and Brittany Sharp 2.

Katey Campbell finished with a game-high 28 for Riverside.

Junior Girls win

The Junior Lady Cougars came away with a 34-25 win over Riverside. Rector trailed 7-6 after the first quarter, but tied things up at 14-14 at the half. The Junior Lady Cougars held Riverside scoreless in the third, taking a 23-14 lead into the fourth.

Heather Scott scored eight to lead Rector. Also scoring were Wynn 7, Fowler 7, Duncan 6, Bradford 4 and Jesse Scott 2.

The adjusted schedule has the Lady Cougars in action at Marmaduke beginning at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. From there, both girls teams will take part in their respective district tournaments at Caraway, beginning Saturday, Feb. 14.