The Lady Jays are still battling through their regular season schedule and their latest major challenge came in the way of the Jeff West Lady Tigers when they came to Sabetha on Friday, Feb. 10. The Jays suffocated the Tiger’s offense, holding them to single digit scoring in three of the four quarters to win the contest in dominating fashion, 53-32.

“This was a great win for our girls,” said Head Coach Nate Bauman. “We got off to a great start as Jeff West tried a defense we haven’t seen too much and our girls adjusted and just took what they gave us. Our press caused some turnovers and we got some runout layups that helped us extend the lead.”

Sabetha allowed 4 points in each of the first and second quarters, keeping them out of the lane and putting added pressure on to force turnovers. Senior Mary Lukert had 7 points in the opening frame, senior Jessica Gruber had a pair of buckets for 4 points and senior Carly Hartter sniped a triple in the period all to help the Lady Jays build a 14-4 led after one.

M. Lukert would had 4 points in the second quarter with Hartter swishing another trey, and senior Halle Scoby and junior Leah Lukert added 2 points apiece. Sabetha led 25-8 at the intermission.

“Mary [Lukert] was a little under the weather and Alexia [Hayden] was out, so we had the opportunity for some other girls to step up and they did,” Coach Bauman said. “Carly Hartter hit three threes, Trinity Detweiler had 5 points, Leah Lukert had 4 points and a couple steals, and Mikenna Haverkamp had 7 assists. Mary [Lukert] again did a great job of getting us going with seven steals to go along with her 19 points.”

The Lady Jays continued their dominance to start the second half, outscoring the Tigers 15-8 with M. Lukert leading her team with 8 points, Hartter had her third three-ball of the game, and L. Lukert and Gruber at 2 points apiece.

Detweiler came in and poured in 5 points in the fourth quarter, Haverkamp went three of five from the free throw line, junior Mya Grimes was perfect from the stripe on two attempts and junior Camryn Duryea was one of two for her charity tosses. Jeff West actually outscored Sabetha in the final eight minutes, but the game was out of their reach and the Lady Jays took the win at home, 53-32.

“We have a challenging end of the season schedule ahead and still have some things to play for, including a sub-state seeding and a chance at second place in league,” Coach Bauman said. “We will continue to focus on getting better all the way through the end of the year!”

Sabetha hosted Perry-Lecompton on Tuesday, Feb. 14. These results were not available at The Herald’s press time. The Lady Jays will travel to Holton Friday, Feb. 17, to take on the Wildcats.