-
(Photo/Alex Kielar) Paisley Thibodeaux puts up a three-point shot attempt in the Lady Bucks’ game at Eastland for their final game before the Christmas break in a loss. -
(Photo/Alex Kielar) Kyra Canada looks to pass out of the paint against the Eastland Lady Mavericks defense Friday, Dec. 19 in the final game for the Lady Bucks before the Christmas break.
The Breckenridge Lady Bucks opened with energy and early shot-making, but Eastland’s depth and steady scoring stretches proved too much to overcome in the final game before the Christmas break, as the Lady Mavericks pulled away for a 52-31 win.
The Lady Bucks weathered an early 6-0 Eastland run Friday, Dec. 19, before settling in behind a strong first quarter push. Nevaeh Johnson’s midrange jumper plus the foul at the line at the 4:12 mark got the Lady Bucks on the board, and two free throws from LaKyla Bartley at 2:23 helped close the gap.
The momentum swung briefly when Bartley nailed a three-pointer to take an 8-6 lead with 1:29 left in the opening period. Eastland answered with free throws and a late layup to edge back in front.
The second quarter turned into a back-and-forth exchange. Breckenridge got contributions from Paisley Thibodeaux on a midrange jumper, Shey Losh on a driving layup and a clean interior finish from Preslie Malcuit off a Losh assist. Eastland countered with drives, a three and steady trips to the free throw line.
The Lady Bucks stayed within reach thanks to Kyra Canada’s pair of free throws and another inside bucket from Malcuit, but Eastland closed the half with a small surge to take a 27-21 lead into the locker room.
The third quarter proved decisive, as Eastland opened with a three-pointer and quick bucket a little later to stretch their lead before the Lady Bucks could settle in.
Breckenridge briefly cut into the deficit with a three-pointer from Bartley at 5:34, but Eastland immediately answered with one of their own. Bartley added a two-point shot less than a minute later, yet the Lady Mavericks kept stacking points – a midrange jumper, a putback and finally a layup off a steal to beat the third quarter buzzer. That pushed the lead to 43-26 heading into the final quarter.
Bartley opened the final period banking in another three-pointer, but Eastland maintained control the rest of the way. The Lady Mavericks hit a midrange jumper, added free throws and strung together a series of late layups that kept the margin out of reach. Bartley added two free throws at 1:43, but Eastland closed strong to secure the 52-31 final.
The Lady Bucks will take their Christmas break and be back in action Monday, Dec. 29, through Wednesday, Dec. 31, for the Brownwood Holiday Classic.
