Cornell provides challenge for Flambeau and Winter
Hosting two East Lakeland Conference games, the Cornell Chiefs Girls Basketball squad stayed with an undefeated Flambeau team, before fighting for a close game against Winter.
Jan. 19 vs. Flambeau conference (L 54-43) “We went into the game knowing it was going to be a tough match-up against Flambeau,” said coach Courtney Yanko.
Cornell played good defense in the first half, but had a hard time stopping fast breaks. Then, in the second half, the Chiefs slowed Flambeau’s fast break, while finding gaps in the Falcons defense.
“I was proud of the girls for passing the ball so well and that really showed in the box score,” said Yanko, “with the range of shared points all the way through the roster.”
Despite Cornell’s best efforts, Flambeau managed to pull away for a 54-43 win.
Sophomore Kelsea Popp ended the night with 14 points, followed by senior Alyssa Helland, with 8 points. Senior Izzy Clark came next, with 6 points, while senior Michaiah Galster ended with 4 points.
Freshman Teryn Close came away with 5, with Teaira Spaeth right behind her, with 4 points. Freshman Grace Harycki rounded things out, with 2 points.
“This game really showed what we can do as a team,” said Yanko, “and even though we did not come away with the win, we have a lot of momentum and energy moving forward.”
Jan. 21 vs. Winter conference (L 49-46)
It was a much closer game two days later, as Winter paid the Chiefs a visit. The score was evenly matched by the end of the first half, thanks to Cornell’s defense.
“We struggled to get our offense going in the first 10 minutes, but we kept pushing to try and get better, and get into the lane,” said Yanko.
The second half was a hard-fought battle, with the score coming down to the wire. Unfortunately, Winter eeked out the victory by a mere three points, 49-46.
Popp recorded a whopping 28 points during the contest, while Spaeth recorded 9 on the night. Close ended with 7 points and Helland chipped in with 2.
The Chiefs sit at 2-10 on the season and 1-7 in conference action.
“We are looking forward to the last few games of the season,” said Yanko.
