By Keff Ciardello.
Buda, TX - The Hays Rebels girls basketball team advances to a 22-9 overall record, 7-3 in district, as they easily defeated the Lockhart Lions, 59-27. Despite a 32-point victory, head coach Danny Preuss wasn’t that satisfied with the win over the 1-15 Lions.
“I mean, it was a good win, but as a coach I tend to see what we could have done better,” said Preuss. “I thought defensively we could have done a little bit better. We missed some block-outs. Our goal coming into this game was to allow no offensive rebounds and we gave them some. I consider us one of the best, if not the best, defensive teams in the district. I expect a lot. Offensively, we missed some shots we should have made but, overall, it’s a good victory when you win by 30 plus points.”
Ten different players scored for the Rebels and seven of those ten scored at least six points. Senior forward Jordyne Dugger led the way with 13 points and also made her presence felt on the defensive side of the court.
Hays High sophomore guard Tara Ramsey goes up for a shot during the Lady Rebels’ Tuesday night game against Lockhart. Ten different players tallied points on the night, as the Lady Rebel cruised to a 59-27 win. (Photo by Rafael Marquez) |
“Jordyne (Dugger) is a very important part of this team and she knows it,” said Preuss. “She can not only score on the inside but she is really good at getting steals and plays big on the outside, too. We count on her, we need her and, when she doesn’t have a good game, we get all over her because we know she is capable of having a monstrous game if she wants too.”
Dugger has had a solid senior season but she came very close to not being able to play this season at all. In March of 2013, during a summer league game, she tore her ACL and had to undergo surgery to repair it. With some intense rehab, she was able to return to the court for the season opener.
“I only missed preseason games,” said Dugger. “I was out of shape but it felt good to be back.”
It’s hard for the Rebels to celebrate knowing that their next opponent will be on the road against the 4A Region IV District leading Clemens Buffalos. The Buffalos have won all of their district games.
“They are the hardest team in the district,” said Dugger. “It would be such a great opportunity to hand them their first district loss because we have the talent to beat them.”
Hays lost to Clemens earlier in the season on December 31, a 43-40 nail-biter on the Rebels’ home court. However, the rematch between the two teams is less about inflicting revenge as much as it is about the Rebels solidifying their spot in the playoffs.
“It’s a big game for us,” said Preuss. “If we can get a win over there, it will help our chances to solidify third place. They’re supposed to beat us, they’re the best team in the district and they’re probably going to win the district title but we want to go out there and give them their first district loss.”
The Rebels will travel to Schertz to face the Buffalos this Friday, January 24, at 7:00 p.m.
