By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
The Cair Paravel Latin girls battled to the wire in search of their second win of the season, coming up just short at home against West Franklin 36-33 Friday.
First-year coach Jaley Barkley praised the Lions' effort and sees improvement from the eight players suited up.
“We’ve played some tough teams but we’ve learned so much these past couple of games,” Barkley said. “This was one of our first games that was close to the end, so just learning to finish those last couple of minutes in the fourth quarter is huge, being able to push with our small team, just being able to figure out how to finish strong.”
The Lions are navigating the Flint Hills League for the first time, with a small roster and limited experience. Barkley had to juggle the lineup in the final minutes after two players fouled out. But she is happy with the chemistry of the group.
“The girls have grown so much and they are great together,” Barkley said. “I wouldn’t say it’s a struggle (to have just eight players). It’s more of a joy just being able to figure out how to work with these eight girls.”
The Lions were led Friday by 10 points from junior Karsyn Hastert. Freshman London Backman added seven.
It was less than three years ago that Barkley was running the point for the Lions before going to play at Sterling College. She said the competitive fire still burns and she has to channel her energy in a new direction.
“It’s been a joy being back in my old gym,” Barkley said. “It’s so hard not to want to just run out on the court because that’s where I was for four years of my life. It’s an adjustment, but it’s been a fun challenge to learn.”
WEST FRANKLIN GIRLS 36, CAIR PARAVEL 33
West Franklin 10 6 9 11 -- 36
Cair Paravel 6 6 10 11 -- 33
West Franklin (3-6, 3-3) – Scott 4-17 1-7 9, Walters 3-12 8-16 14, Raymond 0-2 0-2 0, McMahan 1-4 0-0 2, Smith 2-6 0-0 4, E. Cameron 0-4 0-0 0, McKenzie 0-0 0-0 0, Hermreck 0-0 0-0 0, B. Cameron 2-6 3-6 7. Totals: 12-51 12-31 36.
Cair Paravel (1-8 0-5) – Hastert 4-13 2-6 10, Donaldson 2-6 0-0 4, Backman 1-7 4-6 7, A. Chada 1-3 0-0 2, K. Chada 1-9 1-4 4, Meyer 2-6 0-0 4, Welshans 1-1 0-0 2, Kipers 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 12-45 7-16 33 .
3-point goals – West Franklin 0, Cair Paravel 2 (Backman 1, K. Chada 1). Total fouls – West Franklin 14, Cair Paravel 19. Fouled out – A. Chada, Welshans. Technical fouls – None.