Hot Springs pulls of close win in Alberton
Hot Springs Randi Arnold looks to make a pass during their home game against Arlee.
Danielle Switalski
Hot Springs had another successful weekend after beating both Arlee and Alberton giving them an undefeated, 8-0, conference record.
Hot Springs came out strong against Arlee on Thursday night, setting the tempo for the game early on. The Lady Heat continued to work their half court trap defense, getting off steals and making most of their points off of their quick transitions.
Randi Arnold had ten rebounds and nine points to end the game against Arlee, while Meghan Massingale had eight rebounds and 11 points. MacKenzie Wood had four assists and six steals, working hard defensively at the half court trap.
Hot Springs did not anticipate meeting Alberton senior and power shooter, Lyndie Ishler on the court Saturday. Ishler had 27 out of Alberton’s 42 points. Hot Springs still managed to pull out the 47-42 win, making five of their eight free throws in the fourth quarter. Head Coach Scott Wigton said Hot Springs had a hard time making their shots fall. The team had 28 offensive rebounds, giving the Lady Heat their second and third chance opportunities, but the girls couldn’t get the ball in the basket, only shooting 21 percent from the field in the first half of the game.
“I was happy to see them come out in the second half and start to calm down a little knowing that the shots would eventually fall. You have to stay positive in a situation like that. It was a struggle that night, but we executed in the last four minutes of the game, which was huge for us” said Wigton.
The team only had five defensive rebounds throughout the game, proving Alberton’s ability to shoot the ball with precision and put points on the score board. The two team’s battled throughout the game, Hot Springs down by five at the start of the first quarter. Hot Springs had to switch from their core zone defense to man to man to try and shut down Ishler.
“We made some adjustments and got some motivation going and took control in the third quarter, but she (Ishler) started shooting again and got some open looks,” said Wigton. Ishler scored 13 points in third quarter alone.
Hot Springs managed to hang onto their lead in the fourth quarter, scoring off transitions and being smart with the ball.
Hot Springs overall record is now 15-1 with two more regular season games left. Hot Springs plays Noxon on Friday night at Noxon and Two Eagle on Saturday night at home for senior night.
“These seniors can take a deep breath and look back at what they’ve accomplished. In four years it’s one of the most successful senior classes the school has ever had,” said Wigton.