by The Lady Indians Advance to 8-3 in the MCAC with the Win
By Tyler Jones
LAWRENCE, KS- The last Friday Night Hoops matchup of the 2014-15 season took place Friday at Tony Coffin Sports Complex for the Haskell Lady Indians. Haskell (18-6, 7-3 MCAC) was looking to continue their momentum, as the Lady Indians had come into Friday winning six out of their last seven games. The opponent for Haskell would be York College (9-14, 3-7 MCAC), out of York, Nebraska. Last month the two faced off in York and Haskell defeated York 75-61.
In the first half, the offense was clicking for Haskell, shooting 48% from the field. The Lady Indians never trailed in the first, but York stayed within reaching distance of Haskell in the first. York shot just 28% from field goal range, but outrebounded Haskell 23-17. Unlike Haskell, York took care of the basketball with just 7 turnovers, while Haskell doubled that number with 14. At the half, Haskell led York 34-30.
For half number two, York got off to a fast start and took their first lead of the game. That lead did not last though, as Haskell answered with a 12-0 run of their own that ended at the 12:01 mark. As the lead continued to build, Haskell never trailed again. The Lady Indians took down York by a final score 66-56.
The leading scorers for the night were York’s Mackenzie Eller and Cory Minjarez with 17 points each. Haskell had four players in double-figures on the night. The leading scorer for the Lady Indians was Jenine Coriz with 15 points, followed by Kelli Warrior and Kourtney Meat with 12 points each and Tahnee Stands with 10 points.
Haskell Coach Shane Flanagan after the game said, “This was an important win for us and a sloppy game.” He was not wrong that it was sloppy for sure, as Haskell turned the ball over 28 times and York accounted for 20 turnovers. Both teams combined for 48 total turnovers. Haskell shot 44% from the field, while York struggled shooting, with a poor percentage at 25%.
After Friday’s loss York falls to 9-15 overall and 3-8 in the MCAC. York is eliminated in the race for a spot in the MCAC Tournament. York will move on Saturday to take on Oklahoma Wesleyan, before two home games against Waldorf College and College of Saint Mary to wrap-up the regular season.
With the win, Haskell advances to 19-6 and 8-3 in the MCAC. The Lady Indians have also locked up a spot in the MCAC Conference Tournament later this month. On Saturday, Haskell will take on Central Christian College on Senior Night. It will be the final home games for Tahnee Stands, Jenine Coriz and Tiffany Sullivan. Next week, Haskell will wrap-up the regular season on the road at College of the Ozarks and against Central Baptist College.
