Lady Lions show progress despite losses

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions basketball team continued to struggle last week in losses to Cisco and Anson as the District 10-2A girls schedule reached the midway point.

The Lady Lions (4-16 overall, 1-6 district) began the second round of the league schedule Tuesday, Jan. 14 with a 56-16 loss at Hawley. Details will be reported next week. Albany has the district bye on Friday, Jan. 17 and returns to action Tuesday, Jan. 21 against Stamford at home.

On Tuesday, Jan. 7, Albany fell behind early in a 66-17 home loss to district leader Cisco.

“We had a tough first quarter, but played a lot better in the second, third and fourth,” coach Ashlyn Bevel said. “We didn’t come away with the win, but I thought the girls looked better.”

The Lady Lions encountered more offensive woes, failing to make a basket in a three-point first quarter. Albany’s most productive period was the second with six points.

Charlee Hefner finished with six points, followed by Ashlyn Miller with five.

On Friday, Jan. 10, the Lady Lions lost 54-31 at Anson.

“Against Anson, I thought that was the best offensively we’ve played this year,” Bevel said. “We had a lot of turnovers, but the girls were seeing the floor a lot better and putting the ball in the basket.”

Bevel said a key to the offensive success was Albany’s ability to deal with Anson’s press.

“We played a really good first half against Anson,” she said. “We looked better.”

After staying close in the first quarter, the Lady Lions trailed 30-14 at halftime. Five Albany players scored in an 11-point third quarter.

Madi Parrott scored nine points to lead Albany with Miller adding eight points.

ALBANY 17 – CISCO 66

ALBANY 2 5 8 10 - 17

CISCO - - - - - 66

ALBANY – Charlee Hefner 6, Ashlyn Miller 5, Madi Parrott 4, Caroline Holson 2.

ALBANY 31 – Anson 54

ALBANY 11 3 11 6 - 31

ANSON - - - - - 23

ALBANY – Madi Parrott 9, Ashlyn Miller 8, Caroline Holson 6, Charlee Hefner 6, Tatum Grady 2.