Girls basketball looks to build on early district success

Senior Kaylee Rekieta drives the ball up the floor with pressure from the Highland Park guard.

Drew Doig, Staff Writer
December 15, 2017

After a win at home against Highland Park in the team’s district opener on Tuesday, the girl’s basketball team (14-5) will go on the road to face West Mesquite (2-8).

“We sometimes struggle against teams that are not too good and we tent to play at their level,” senior captain Taylor Meixelsperger said. “I hope we look past their record and treat them as a normal opponent and play our game of basketball.”

On the offensive side of the ball, the team is working on their shooting and has a continued focus on pushing the ball in transition.

“We are working on shooting the ball a lot in practice to be more effective with our shots in the paint and from outside the arc,” head coach Lance Boxell said. “Our team has done a good job of pushing the ball in transition on makes and misses which has increased our scoring average by 4 points per game this season.”

Senior Kaylee Rekieta said the team has been practicing hard and is determined to extend their district record to 2-0.

“We have been going over the scouting report for West Mesquite and have had a focus on defense all week,” Rekieta said.

The team had a strong defensive performance in the 43-28 win over Highland Park, limiting the Scots to only 28 points on 27 percent shooting from the field. The team also dominated the assists and steals categories, with nine of each while Highland Park had zero. The team also performed well at the free throw line, shooting 83 percent while Highland Park shot just 67 percent.

Sophomore Carsen McFadden filled up the stat sheet as she recorded a double-double, accounting for 14 points and 10 rebounds and also added four assists and four steals.

Boxell said he was proud of the team in the win over the Scots.

“It was a big win for us because they beat us twice last year,” Boxell said. “I think the win will give us confidence going forward that we can compete for a district title.”

After the game against West Mesquite, the team will travel to play Sanger High School at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.