BEAR RIVER HIGH – By Jessica Tanner – Feb. 14, 2020
This week the Lady Bears wrapped up region play on the basketball court. They swept the Grizzlies and then fell to Green Canyon in a close contest for a 9-13 record headed into the playoffs.
The RPI rankings will be released on Saturday, Feb. 15, but it’s likely the Bears will host the first round of playoffs set for Wednesday, Feb. 19.
There was a lot of positive energy and hype for senior night on Tuesday, Feb. 11. The Bears appeared ready for a strong night, but the first quarter got off to a rocky start. Shot after shot rattled off the rim and the Bears went scoreless for nearly all of the first quarter. With 30 seconds left Ashley Roberts sunk their first bucket.
“We were a little over hyped,” said Coach Tyrell Neal. “Our shots were a little long and our layups were high on the backboard. They finally setting down and we were lucky to only be down 7-2.”
The Bears turned things around in the second quarter holding the Grizzlies scoreless and took the lead, 19-7, at halftime.
“We talked about intensifying our defense,” said Neal. “Our team worked and moved the ball to the open person. They drew the fouls and battled for the win. It was a great game. They came together and everyone contributed.”
In the third quarter Logan proved they were not going to go down easy. They battled their way back and chipped away at the Bears lead 28-22. In the fourth quarter the Grizzlies tied up the game, but the Lady Bears continued to work and secured the win 42-37.
Olivia Taylor led the Bears with 14 points, while Roberts contributed 11.
A confident Bear River team headed to Green Canyon High on Thursday, Feb. 13, hoping to continue their momentum and finish region with a win. Although they battled and stayed in the game until the end, the Bears lost 60-50.
“We have been on a climb and are playing good ball together,” Neal said about the Green Canyon game.
“Green Canyon is a good team, but we played one heck of game too and I am proud of these girls and the way they battled. They never back down,” he added.
Once again, the Lady Bears were led by Taylor. Neal said she got the Bears started on the right foot in the first half and “had a heck of a game.” She scored nearly half of the Bears points, with 24 on the night. Abbie Furhiman made 10 while Roberts and Makenzie Lorimer both added six.
At halftime the Bears were down 31-24. In the second half they chipped away at the Wolves lead, but turnovers and missed shots at the line allowed Green Canyon to pull off the win.
“We got the fouls we were looking for, but we did not go two for two on too many of them,” said Neal. “We had chances to win, but with their long arms and momentum we couldn’t get over the hump.”
The Lady Bears are now gearing up for playoffs next week.
“We have to protect our home court,” Neal said. “It is do or die so we have to have the same excitement and intensity we brought tonight.”
Bear River Live will follow the teams as they head into playoffs so be sure to watch for coverage on those games at www.brlivestream.com/live.
Photo coverage of Bear River girls' basketball is provided by Andy Marchant Photography.
