Hot Springs girls come out victorious against TER

HOT SPRINGS – The Lady Savage Heat were victorious over Two Eagle River 41-32 on Saturday night. Two Eagle River just couldn’t handle the pressure put on them. Head Coach Robert Kearney was pleased with the way the girls played, especially when he had little indication of what might transpire.

“We didn’t really know what to expect. In the past they had always been the doormat but two nights ago they beat Noxon which is unusual,” Coach Kearney said.

The unpredictable game turned out to be a close one for the Lady Savage Heat. The two teams stayed neck-and-neck until the second half.

In the third quarter the Lady Savage Heat really stepped up their game with six of them scoring. This pushed them ahead of Two Eagle River and helped to insure the win.

Coach Kearney mentioned three girls who played particularly well.

Josey Carr had 11 points and 13 rebounds. Alex Green had 7 points and 15 rebounds. She also had 5 steals. Meara Schmiedbauer also had 11 points and is, according to Coach Kearney, “instrumental to setting up traps.”

It was a tough game for the Lady Savage Heat. They had to band together and really give it their all which is exactly what they did.

“It was a great overall effort,” Coach Kearney said. “We put a lot of pressure on them and were successful with doing that.”

One of the main problems facing the Lady Savage Heat, Coach Kearney said, is their inconsistency.

“The night before the girls did not do well against Arlee. Sometimes we are doing well and other times we struggle,” he said.

Despite their inconsistency, Coach Kearney seem pleased with his team overall.

“It was a well-earned victory for us tonight,” he said. “I think we are making progress and that’s what is important.”

The Lady Savage Heat have some important games coming up after the break, particularly their game against Superior.

This game will be an important district game for the girls and Coach Kearney believes they have a lot to work on until then. The winter break will be an opportunity for the team to re-strategize and address their weaknesses.

“We have for some time wanted to instigate some new principles that we haven’t had the chance to talk about with the younger players,” he said.

With more time on his hands to really educate his players, Coach Kearney also has big plans to establish a new strategy.

“I plan to install a new man to man offense. I have confidence that it is something that will fit well with the girls we have and we will go from there,” he said.

The Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat basketball team are now 2-2 which is about where Coach Kearney expected them to be, but he is excited to see what the future holds.

“We are very happy with where we are now and excited to learn and grow,” he said.