By Leeann Tanner - Staff Writer
The Lady Raiders fell to Rowan County in the 16th Region’s Championship game Saturday, 46-34.
The game began and ended with one constant theme: physical aggression. Several players from both teams pushed through pain and injuries that would have sent them to the bench earlier in the season.
“When referees call that type of game, it is hard to adapt to because we are not that type of team,” Coach Hager Easterling said. “For 31 games they battled their hearts out and gave it everything they possibly could. I have never been disappointed in their effort. They made it truly a memorable season. Losing that game didn’t detract from this season. I wouldn’t be any more proud if they won. They laid their hearts out on the floor for each other, and that is always what they do. That is why they are so special.”
Rowan County jumped out to a 13-7 lead in the first quarter and both teams put up just five points in the second. The Lady Vikings pulled ahead in the second half and East’s gals were unable to cut the lead down.
Jordan Parsons led the Lady Raiders in scoring with 10 points and Lakota Burge put up eight. Jessica Marshall had five while Kristin Easterling, Courtney Sparks, and Emily Slone had three each. Jade Stumbo nailed one from the field.
Overall, East’s gals hit 30-percent from the field and went 12-for-17 at the charity stripe.
Turnovers made the difference in the match up. East suffered 23 for the game, 13 of which were steals by the Lady Vikings.
Although any Regional loss is difficult for a team, this one will probably stick in Easterling’s mind as he says goodbye to four important seniors, including his daughter Kristin.
“People get over losing games, it is more about the kids,” Easterling said. “The hardest part for me is sitting there with four seniors who won’t get to play anymore. The relationship and the bond we have built up, losing that is harder than losing the game.”
Easterling will start next season with five seniors, but no players from this season’s team will be juniors.
“Our juniors and seniors this season stepped up and took over,” Easterling said. “Those five kids will have to step up next year. Every team is different, and each takes on its own personality, its own identity and that will be determined next year.”
