Cobras snake the Maidens

   The Industrial Cobras beat out the Ganado Maidens tonight at home with a final score of 64-53. One of the Cobra captains,  Jessica Martin, said the team has been working hard in practice and believed the Cobras would win with a definitive yes. Ganado Coach Bryan Branch said he was very pleased with the team's effort, and saw great things in the team's press that forced some turnovers.

   Cobra Kelsey VanPelt and Maiden Taylor Mirelez were easily the top scorers of the night for their teams. VanPelt scored 16 points in the first quarter with two three-pointers, and Mirelez scored 14 points in the same. Cobra Skylar Chreene had a three-pointer as well, while Maidens Sierra Salazar and Cheyenne Galindo added some points in the first quarter. Score was 19-17 in the Cobras favor.

   More Cobras and Maidens scored in second quarter in addition to VanPelt and Mirelez. Cobras Lauren Brogger, Martin, and Sabrina Emiliano, Sarah Kusak and Chreene added to their numbers, while Maidens Desirea Vasquez, Salazar and JaCee Black did the same. Vasquez and Black dropped a three-pointer each. Cobras had 40, Maiden 27 at halftime.

  Both teams came out blazing after the half, steadily increased their numbers, and by the end of the third the score was 52-34 in the Cobras favor. The fourth quarter was much of the same scoring-wise, but members on both teams became more assertive and took risks. The Cobras won, 64-53.

   Branch said their biggest problems though, were their turnovers. "They were caused by an inability to catch the ball, whether it be a rebound or a pass, and we did a poor job of blocking out," he said. "But still pleased. I can live with the physical and some mental errors as long as we give that type of effort every night." He went on to say VanPelt played very well, and the Maidens did a better job of limiting her scoring in the second half."

   Martin said her team will work on a lot of press breakers, make sure they have good defense and work on a strong offense for their next game.

   Although the schools are big rivals, as usual, the girls played with a fair level of respect that didn't interfere with their gameplay. On Friday, Jan. 9, the Cobras will play Hallettsville there, and the Maidens will play Louise at home.