(Douglas, WY) – The fifth-ranked Lander Valley girls varsity basketball team opened play in the Douglas Classic Friday evening with a thrilling 38-36 victory over Pine Bluffs.
–Watch a full replay of the game below–
The Lady Hornets appeared up to the test against a state-ranked 3A opponent from the outset, forcing three early lead changes. LVHS would outscore Pine Bluffs 14-6 in the 2nd quarter, and a late three-pointer from Zoe Mulholland lifted the Lady Tigers to a 21-17 halftime lead.
Despite some foul trouble, Lander appeared ready pull away in the 3rd quarter. A steal and score by Kiera Lincoln stretched the LVHS lead to nine.
Pine Bluffs pulled the margin back to within five before the final frame. A low-scoring 4th quarter saw both teams combine for five points in five minutes.
A post up by Jessica Hoffman gave PBHS the first Lady Hornets lead of the second half. Hoffman fouled out on the ensuing Lander possession, and a Kyndal McFadden free throw re-tied the game 36-36 with 1:32 remaining.
LVHS would score only four points in the 4th quarter, but those points proved to be just enough. Adelyn Anderson sealed a double-double and a late two point Lady Tigers lead on the ensuing inbound.
Pine Bluffs’ final chance in the form of a Avery Sweener bank shot with 1.5 seconds remaining was just a little strong, and Lander survived the late flurry to claim a victory in the tourney opener.
Adelyn Anderson finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Hayden Googles and Kiera Lincoln added seven points each for the Lady Tigers.
Friday’s game was the first of three the Lady Tigers will play in the Douglas classic this weekend.
LVHS plays Wheatland Saturday morning at 10:30 AM. Listen to coverage of that game on 1330 AM, or stream live coverage at County10.com.
Lander’s ladies then play Douglas in the tournament finale Saturday at 4:30 PM. Stream live coverage at County10.com.