Lady Lions split district games amid icy weather disruptions
Albany’s varsity Lady Lions split a pair of district basketball games last week against Stamford and Haskell, battling limited practice time caused by winter weather, according to coach Ashlyn Bevel.
Albany traveled to Stamford on Jan. 29 for a game originally scheduled Jan. 27, and earned a 44-24 victory despite having only one full practice before the game.
Bevel said the team started slowly but settled in after halftime.
“We were a little nervous early and didn’t score as well as we wanted in the first half, but after our halftime talk the girls were more confident shooting the ball and really took control,” Bevel said.
Albany outscored Stamford by 20 points in the second half to secure the win.
Scorers included Keeley Britting 18, Zayne Lefevre 15, Madi Parrott 4, Tinley Hefner 4, Hailey Gleitz 2, and Ashlyn Miller 1.
The Lady Lions returned home Jan. 30 to face Haskell in another key district matchup. Bevel said the lack of preparation again played a role, but she was proud of the team’s effort, particularly on the defensive end.
“Offensively, we just couldn’t get much going, but defensively I think that was the best I’ve seen them all year,” Bevel said. “To go from being beaten by 30 in the first round of district to losing by only seven shows how much this group has improved.”
Albany fell 33-26 but remains tied with Anson for fourth place in the district standings with three games remaining.
“They’re working hard each week to get better and hopefully fight for a playoff spot,” Bevel said.
Scorers included Avery Gleitz 7, Zayne Lefevre 6, Keeley Britting 5, Tinley Hefner 4, Ashlyn Miller 2, and Madi Parrott 2.
JV Girls
The Albany JV girls defeated Haskell 35-27 on Jan. 30, while their scheduled game at Stamford was canceled due to weather and to allow varsity teams to play.
Coach Lauren Peacock said she was pleased with the team’s performance despite minimal practice time.
“The first quarter was competitive and aggressive, and we were able to pull away some in the third,” Peacock said. “We got into foul trouble late and had to slow the game down, which isn’t easy for this group, but they responded well.”
Peacock said she was proud of the team’s composure and effort around the basket. “They didn’t give up, even with the limited practice we had that week,” she said.
Scorers were Sawyer Shoaf 13, Hailey Gleitz 11, Kenzee Roysdon 7, Kynlee Milligan 2, Haiden Niell 2.
