Lady Wildcats win victory over Cardinals

Facing rough opposition, Trumann High School senior Lacy Staten prepares to make a jump shot in Monday's match-up against the Weiner Cardinals in the Pre-Holiday Tournament. The Wildcats defeated the Cards 72-54. (Miranda Remaklus / Democrat Tribune photo)

With 32 points and 14 rebounds, Lacy Staten led the Trumann Lady Wildcats to victory over the Weiner Lady Cardinals in first round action at the Pre-Holiday Tournament in Weiner.

At 6-feet tall, Staten seemingly towered over girls trying to drive in and score a basket. With impressive ease, Staten swatted away the Cardinals hope-filled shots like a fly.

"Our shots were not going down," said Cardinals Head Coach Christy Buchanan. "Lacy Staten is unstoppable."

Defense was also critical to the game. Both teams tried to press, but Trumann's turned out to be a little more powerful.

"We pressed and it caused a few turnovers, but they got some three point shots that really changed the momentum," Buchanan said. "I think our girls just got gassed."

"I think our press really hurt them," said THS Head Coach Matt Dean. "Hannah Walters really gave them some problems."

Dean said a good, loosely played second-half was a key to their victory as well. "Jazyme Nixon and Lacy Staten got going tonight," he said. "It was a good team effort out there in the second half."

Mallory Jordan led all Weiner scorers with 12 points. Kenzie Bartholomew had 11 points and Tosha Geror had nine points.

In addition to Staten's 32, Nixon had 28 points and Kelly Guthrie had five points.