Defense key to Shelby girls’ scorching start

The Shelby girls basketball team opened the conference in stunning fashion beating the Conrad Cowgirls 64-45, and Rocky Boy 70-45, to open conference play.

The game was close through the first quarter, going back and forth, but Conrad held a three-point advantage at the end of the first quarter, 14-11. Conrad continued a lead until the end of the second quarter when the Coyotes defense turned turnovers into points. Shelby outscored the Cowgirls 19-14 in the period, to grab a 30-28 lead.

The Coyote defense opened the third quarter in style limiting the Cowgirls to only five points, and their offense scored 17 to bust the game open. Shelby put in another 17 points in the final period to crush the Cowgirls 64-45.

The Coyotes had a balanced scoring attack having four players in double figures, Addison Richman scored 14, Adele Lamb netted 13, Jori Clary added 12, Cameron Blevins had 11, Delaney Clark dropped in nine, Elly McDermott added three, and Reese Lee had two.

“Friday we came out slow against Conrad defensively,” coach Ryan McDermott said. “Conrad jumped on us quick as they were able take a quick lead with some transition points. The girls were able to make some adjustments at halftime and were able to put some pressure on the Cowgirls ball handlers which I think was the turning point in the game. I thought Adele Lamb played great after picking up a couple quick fouls in the first half. Cameron Blevins lead the coyotes in scoring a rebounding with 13 and 10, her second double double in three games this season. Reece Lee had a great defensive game wearing out Conrad’s ball handlers and finished with two points, seven rebounds and five deflections. I thought Jori Clary had a great night leading the Coyotes. She finished the night with eight points, five rebounds, three steals, and three assists. Addison Richman came off the bench in the first half to give us a boost attacking the rim and finished with 12 points. Delaney Clark had a great shooting game as she connected on three of four from behind the arc for her nine points.”

Saturday the Coyotes went to Rocky Boy and played a close first quarter, only managing a one-point advantage at the end of the quarter, leading 13-12 after one. The second quarter the Coyotes got hot, and broke away from the Morning Stars 21-8 to take a 34-20 advantage into the half.

Coach McDermott also said, “Saturday the Coyotes traveled to Rocky Boy for their first road game of the year. In the second and third quarters the Coyotes lit it up scoring 21 and 27 points in the next two quarters to build a comfortable 61-33 lead after three quarters. The Coyotes were not as balanced in scoring as they were Friday night, but all 10 Coyotes saw action again with all 10 scoring.”

Jori Clary led all scorers with 23 points, Blevins put up 15, Lamb and Richman both contributed six, Hadley Clary and Lee each had five, Clark and Clara Blonde had three each, and McDermott and Preslee Flesch had two each.

Coach McDermott added, “The Coyotes really grew this weekend with some in game situations and adjustments. I can’t wait to see how we continue to get better."