Lady Wildcats Cruise to 99-53 Victory at Haskell Invitational, Improve to 5-0
LAWRENCE, Ks. - The Bethel Lady Wildcats put on an offensive clinic Thursday night, defeating the Lady Indians of Haskell 99-53 at the Haskell Invitational. With the win, the Lady Cats improved to a perfect 5-0 on the young season, showcasing their depth, sharpshooting, and relentless defense in what was another dominant performance.
Strong First Half Sets the Tone
The Lady Cats came out firing on all cylinders, leading 43-28 at the break. Freshman sensation Mikee Buchanan led the charge in the opening period, scoring 11 points, including a variety of long balls and finishes at the rim. Buchanan continued her strong play in the second half, adding five more points to finish with a game-high 24.
Sophomore Kylie Reynolds was instrumental in the first half as well, hitting two three-pointers for a total of eight points by halftime. The balanced scoring and efficient play on both ends of the floor allowed the Lady Wildcats to take control early and cruise to victory.
Buchanan, Hart, and Reynolds Lead the Way
Buchanan, the true freshman, was the clear standout, finishing with 24 points and four rebounds. She shot an efficient 9-of-10 from the floor, while going 6- of- 6 from beyond the arc showing why she's quickly becoming one of the top newcomers in the league.
Fellow freshman Micah Hart was also impressive, contributing 13 points and three rebounds in just her fifth collegiate game. Hart's ability to score in a variety of ways continues to be a key asset for the Lady Cats as they build chemistry early in the season.
Reynolds, the sharp-shooting sophomore, added 11 points, including two three-pointers, and grabbed four rebounds. She continues to be a reliable scoring threat and a steadying presence on the court.
Madison Hart, another standout on the team, added nine points and a team-high eight rebounds, contributing to the Wildcats' dominant effort on the boards. The Lady Cats out-rebounded Haskell 48-25, further showcasing their superiority in all aspects of the game.
Efficient Shooting and Unselfish Play
One of the key highlights of the Lady Cats' performance was their offensive efficiency. The team shot an impressive 56.3% from the field and an even more remarkable 55.6% from beyond the arc, burying 15 of their 27 three-point attempts. This high shooting percentage kept Haskell's defense scrambling and gave the Wildcats a comfortable cushion throughout the contest.
Coach Nelson was quick to praise his team's ball movement, which led to easy scoring opportunities. "It was good to get off to a good start out here in the classic," said Coach Nelson. "This team is fun to watch play and coach, especially when they share the ball the way they did this
evening. This is a very unselfish group with different offensive weapons. We just have to stay focused on improving every night out."
Looking Ahead
With their win, the Lady Cats remain undefeated and will look to keep the momentum going as they return to action tomorrow in the Haskell Invitational. They will face Barclay College at 3:00 PM CST in what promises to be another exciting matchup.
As the season progresses, the Lady Cats' unselfish play, combined with their talented roster of freshmen and sophomores, makes them a team to watch. If tonight's performance is any indication, this group has the potential to make some serious noise in the weeks ahead.
Stats:
https://naiastats.prestosports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/teams/haskell
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Article by Derrick Hubble- Sports Information Assistant