By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
The Washburn Rural girls took advantage of a lopsided match with Junction City to develop depth and experience among their reserves.
The Junior Blues rolled over Junction City 49-11 Tuesday at Washburn Rural as coach Kevin Bordewick subbed liberally, going deep into his bench within the first five minutes of the contest.
Senior Zoe Canfield led all scorers with 16 points in Washburn Rural's 49-11 Centennial League win over Junction City Tuesday night. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]
By the end of the night, Washburn Rural had given extended minutes to 12 players. Nine players scored for the Junior Blues.
One of the lone returners from last year’s Class 6A state runnerup team understands how important those minutes can be to a developing player.
“I think it’s really important because getting that experience at a young age really helps in the future when they have to step up and play their role,” said senior Destiny Ochs.
“I can remember how it helped me gain confidence getting to play (in varsity games) at a young age and just build up from there. Watching my teammates tonight, I know they are going to play confident in the future.”
The leading scorer with 16 points for the Junior Blues on Tuesday, senior Zoe Canfield, missed last year’s tournament run due to injury. Bordewick said giving reserves some experience during the regular season helps prepare them for just such an emergency.
“As we experienced last year, an injury can happen at any time. You’d like to have at least some kids who have some experience in case, God forbid, that happens,” Bordewick said. “But it’s also for future years as well. It builds a little confidence. It tells a player ‘Maybe I can play at this level. I’ve got some things I’ve got to work on to get consistent.’”
Freshman Maddie Vickery scored 10 points in Wasnburn Rural's 49-11 rout over Junction City Tuesday night. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]
Prior to beating Junction City on Tuesday, the Junior Blues got by Manhattan 61-59 on Monday to snap a rare three-game losing streak.
“I feel a little better after last night and tonight,” Bordewick said. “Last week was rough on us in terms of wins and losses, but also how we performed. That may have given us a little of an eye opener that, ‘Hey, we can’t just walk into a gym and expect to win.’ Nothing’s ever given to you.”
WASHBURN RURAL GIRLS 49, JUNCTION CITY 11
Junction City 4 2 5 0 -- 11
Washburn Rural 15 7 19 8 -- 49
Junction City (1-14, 1-5) – Miller 0-1 0-0 0, Hatcher 0-4 0-0 0, O’Neal 0-7 2-2 2, Rexrode 3-6 1-1 7, Nabus 1-1 0-0 2, Riley 0-1 0-0 0, Allen 0-0 0-0 0, Rushing 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 4-20 3-3 11.
Washburn Rural (10-5, 4-2) – Vickery 3-6 4-4 10, Ochs 3-5 0-0 6, Canfield 6-11 2-4 16, Lemke 1-1 0-0 2, Bunck 1-2 0-0 2, Walker 0-0 2-4 2, Carlgren 0-4 0-0 0, Rutherford 1-5 0-0 3, Hirschi 1-3 0-0 3, Hayes 0-3 0-0 0, Horyna 0-0 0-0 0, Moore 1-1 2-2 5. Totals: 17-41 10-14 49.
3-point goals – Junction City 0, Washburn Rural 5 (Canfield 2, Rutherford 1, Hirschi 1, Moore 1). Total fouls – Junction City 12, Washburn Rural 10. Fouled out – None. Technical fouls – None.
