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Buckner Continues to Produce Big Numbers, Scores 28 Points
By DAVID DICKEY
Powell Tribune Sports Editor
Last week's basketball action started on a down note for the Lady Trappers, who endured a one-sided loss to Sheridan College Tuesday, Jan. 22. However, they bounced back two nights later and posted a convincing 86-64 victory over Dawson Community College at Hank Cabre Gymnasium in Powell.
"I was really proud of our kids because they came back and played with a lot of effort after a disappointing loss (to Sheridan)," said NWC head coach Chad Oletzke. "In that game (against Sheridan), I think everybody was pressing a little too much because it was our first game at home in awhile. But we came back and played well. During the first half, I think we executed our offense about as well as we have all year."
During the first half, the Lady Trappers scored early and often en route to a 48-23 lead by halftime. With a commanding lead, Oletzke's squad was able to play more relaxed for the remainder of the game, and all nine Lady Trappers landed in the scoring column, including four who finished with double-digit point totals.
Leading the charge for NWC was Ashley Buckner, who finished with 28 points. Just one game earlier, the sophomore enjoyed a 23-point effort against Sheridan College. Buckner, who missed the first half of the season, also added seven rebounds and four assists.
"Ashley has been doing a great job," Oletzke said. "She's been playing well for us. Ever since she returned to the lineup, she's been a rock for us. She's a returning player from the season before, and she's been there for us as far as leadership is concerned."
Erin Cooke, Sheena Ryan and Crystal Gauthier also finished with double-figure point totals by scoring 13, 11 and 10 points, respectively. Others scoring for the Lady Trappers were Inga Briede (9), Gita Grava (8), Lacey Gilmer (3), Wendy Dorvall (2) and Brittanie Chadwick (2).
The rebounding effort for NWC was paced by Grava and Cooke, who finished with 10 and 8, respectively. Briede and Gauthier tied for the team lead in assists with five each. Briede also had four steals during the game, and NWC forced 22 turnovers while committing just 15 of their own. The defensive effort byNWC, according to Oletzke, also played a key role in helping the Lady Trappers snap a three-game losing streak.
Dawson was led by Lindsey Parsons and Rae Howe. Parsons finished with 20 points, and Howe added 12. Alanya Three Irons also scored in double figures and finished with 11 points.
Up next: The Lady Trappers (5-13, 1-0) are scheduled to play again today (Tuesday) at 6 p.m. against Little Big Horn College in Crow Agency, Mont. On Friday, Feb. 1, NWC will play its second Central Sub-Region contest of the season when it faces Casper College in Powell. That game will be the start of a five game homestand.