By Spencer Spilman
The Hays Lady Rebels basketball team played host to district opponent Westlake Tuesday night in a tough matchup.
Hays tried to battle back against the veteran Lady Chaparrals, but Westlake’s experience was too much and they stole a 53-38 win on the road.
Westlake got off to a quick start thanks to its senior leaders. Lexi Cunningham, along with sisters Brooke and Bailey Holle, combined for 45 of the team’s 53 points in the game.
Their experience showed as Westlake jumped out to a 19-6 lead after one quarter of play.
While Westlake was full of senior leaders, the Lady Rebels were the opposite, trusting the youth of sophomores and juniors.
Hays battled back with a strong second quarter. Jada Finister struggled to get the ball in the basket, but dominated on the boards, grabbing 15 rebounds in the game. Amanda Benjamin stepped up for Hays on the offensive end. She finished with nine points, with five points at the free throw line.
The Lady Rebels whittled the Westlake lead to five points at halftime after outscoring the Lady Chaps 14-6 in the second quarter.
Westlake made sure Hays didn’t mount another comeback in the second half.
Cunningham led all scorers in the game with 17 points. She made 12 of 13 free throw attempts. Brooke Holle had 12 points and 12 rebounds, while her sister Bailey scored 16 points and added eight rebounds. Both girls also had five steals on the defensive end.
Lady Rebels sophomore guard Gabby Bosquez led the team with 12 points, but struggled from the field and never got her long-range jumper going.
Choon-Hee Chae finished with seven points, but also struggled shooting the ball.
Westlake went into the fourth quarter leading 41-26 and never let up. Westlake hit 19 of its 23 free throws and dominated in rebounds in the game.
The two teams traded baskets late, but Hays couldn’t gain any ground.
Next Up
Hays will look to bounce back this weekend when they host the Hays CISD Classic tournament on Dec. 3-5.