Trotters overpower Lady Vikings

PLAINS – The Trotters came away with a victory and a loss last week, after their Friday and Saturday games against Charlo and Troy.

Charlo opened the game Friday, coming out to a slight lead. The Plains girls were able to pull back, though, and tie the score; however, the Lady Vikings reclaiming the lead with a penalty shot. The Trotters started to edge back, thanks to Jade Ladeaux stealing the ball and racing it down the court – she was caught by the other team, though, and only brought in one point on a penalty shot. The first quarter ended with a score of 3-8 to Charlo’s favor.

As the second quarter opened, the Trotters started coming back; with a nice three-point basket by Carley VonHeeder, they pulled ahead. Both teams showed strong offensive and defensive plays; the game was intense and both teams brought in points through penalty shots. The Plains girls edged ahead though Charlo pulled in a last minute basket to end the half at 15-12 to Plains.

As the second half opened, the Lady Vikings pulled ahead and regained the lead. The home team fought back and tied the game again; they then broke away and pulled ahead with several great plays before closing the quarter at 27-19. In the final quarter, the girls continued to expand their lead, gaining another 10 points; the Lady Vikings also pushed to come back. They pressed hard and closed the score until the game ended with Plains on top of a 38-31 score.

Head Coach Richard Griffin said they had to use some ingenuity to win Saturday’s game. A number of the Trotters’ shots just would not go into the net, leaving them having trouble bringing in points. The coach said they also had some reluctance to take shots, which he found frustrating.

“I got good shooters,” Griffin said. “I’ve got five of the best shooters that I’ve ever had; but they’ve got to start realizing they’re good shooters.”

The coach felt Saturday was a team win. He said they could not have done it without everyone working together and doing their jobs.

Friday night, the Trotters had another game against Troy, which they lost by 14 points. Griffin recalled they had trouble making their shots and could not bring in their points as well. It was not entirely negative though; with a player out sick, they were able to field some of the younger members and get them playing time.

Griffin said they would need to work on things to correct their mistakes during Friday’s game; he said they should not have any more three-point quarters. To help with this, he will be working with the team on the fundamentals of the game and building their confidence.

“We’re just going to get pumped and get them in the right spots, so they can see how to play and get better,” Griffin said.