Lady Bobcats aim high at season end

SUPERIOR - The Lady Bobcats have been playing against what Coach Jeff Schultz considers some of the toughest competition in the area and it’s all in preparation for an upcoming tournament this weekend.

Schultz said his team is ready and it’s because the veterans have stepped up their game and the newer players have taken notice and responded. The team played a warm-up for the tournament last Tuesday against Mullan and came away with a win. Schultz said the team is beginning to gain more confidence as the season comes to a close.

“I think we are going to do really well,” Schultz said. “We saw a lot of the younger players step up. This summer has really helped the girls out a lot.”

Several of the younger players have significantly stepped up their game according to Schultz. Two sophomores, Morgan Sharp and Alise Rughford, have been showing a lot of promise for the future according to Schultz. He also praised the play of Hailey Kelly and Kinzie Mueller for the hard work they have put in this summer.

According to Schultz, a few of his veteran players have also made significant strides this summer in expanding the weapons they bring to the court. Schultz said while Marisa Koch’s defensive game has remained consistent with previous years, it was her growth as an offensive player that impressed him this year.

“Last year she was probably one of the best defensive players on the team,” Schultz said. “This year she is one of our best offensive players. She has really blossomed this year. The girls feed her the ball nonstop.”

Schultz said Sharp had also elevated her offensive game. Sharp made a three point shot late in the first half on Tuesday well beyond the three point line.

“It’s all about confidence with her,” Schultz said. “She’s going to be a pure shooter when she gets older. The more she plays, the more confidence she has.”

Schultz said confidence was the key for all the team members and he thinks playing a high level of competitors this summer has contributed to the way his team carries themselves on the court. At the upcoming tournament, the Bobcats will be playing teams that have experience playing at districts and the state tournament.

“With us, it’s knowing that we belong,” Schultz said. “I think one of the things with this team is believing that they are good enough to compete at that level. Sometimes, that’s all it takes. With some of these teams that go on a magical run, it’s because they know and expect to win. They expect to take care of business every night and they don’t worry about who they are going up against.”

On Tuesday, the team will travel to Alberton to take part in a tournament that will include teams from Seeley-Swan, Saco, Whitewater and Arlee. Schultz said the teams will be some of the toughest the Bobcats have faced all season.

“Saco were state champions three years ago,” Schultz said. “They went to state last year and had everybody return. Seeley has been loaded this year. Arlee has been back-to-back district champions. It could be a very competitive tournament.”

Coach Schultz said the team would play five games on Tuesday beginning at 9 a.m.