Lady Tigers clinch third place at regionals

TORRINGTON - The Lady Tiger basketball team opened regionals at Eastern Wyoming College against Kaycee. Niobrara County High School defeated the Lady Bucs early in the season, but Thursday night was a much different game.

Things started well as Sarah Krein banked in a triple, followed closely with Kyla Lyons splashing a pair from distance. A 9-1 lead dissolved by the time the quarter ended and the Lady Tigers were in for a long, grueling battle. Jaci Vetter’s jumper was followed by the free toss and Lusk held a slim five point edge at the break.

To say NCHS struggled in many ways during the second half, would possibly be an understatement. Foul trouble was an issue, shot selection was questionable and Kaycee took the lead with just over a minute remaining. Krein knotted the game at 39 with a free throw, but a defensive lapse led to the Lady Bucs taking a three point lead. Marleigh Smith had a good look from the top but just a bit too much, as it bounced off the basket support and down into the hoop. The shot was ruled out of bounds (correctly), and basket waved off. The Lady Tigers were left dismayed by the 42-39 defeat.