Lady Cougars handle Trumann

The Lady Cougars improved their record to 3-2 overall with a 46-40 win over Trumann Monday night in Rector. Rector led throughout: 7-6; 21-13; and 34-29.

While the Lady Cougars struggled offensively early on, they were able to force Trumann into 17 turnovers on the night.

"I thought we played pretty well," Lady Cougar coach Mark Manchester said. "I thought we put forth a great effort on the defensive end."

Rector continued to struggle at the free throw line, going 12-27 from the charity stripe.

"We're working hard on our free throws," Manchester said. "We're getting there. I think we'll get better as the season goes along."

Rhoda Classen had a big night for Rector, notching a double-double in the win with 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Also scoring for the Lady Cougars were Jessie Scott 9, Chelsea Drope 7, Rebecca Dodd 6, Stephanie DeMent 6 and Destinei Heathcott 2.

Lacy Staten led Trumann with 14 points.

Junior Girls Roll

The Junior Lady Cougars cruised to a 43-15 win over Trumann. Rector led all night long: 15-2; 19-6; and 34-8.

The young Rector squad fueled their offense with tough-minded defense, creating easy transition buckets through their press.

"The junior high kids are playing hard and playing well right now," Manchester said. "They're working hard on the defensive end and causing a lot of turnovers. We're starting to score off those turnovers. When we do that, we can be pretty good."

Kelly Fowler led Rector with a game-high 12 points in the blowout victory.

Also scoring for the Junior Lady Cougars were Vanessa Jones 7, Bailey Haney 5, Kendall Gunn 4, Lenae Haley 4, Rebecca Scott 3, Kaitlynn Essman 2, Johnna Lopez 2, Shana Whitaker 2 and Courtney Shepard 2.

The Lady Cougars are taking time away from action for the holiday, but will return to the court Dec. 7 when they host Paragould. Both girls and boys teams are slated to visit Cross County on Dec. 8.