The Sundown Roughettes squared off against Ozona in the Area Round of the 2A Division 1 girls basketball playoffs this past Thursday at Colorado City High School, falling to them, 43-30.
The Roughettes faced adversity early, being held to two points in the first quarter and outscored 24-11 in the first half.
They would respond in the second half and match Ozona’s 19 points in the half, but the first half deficit would ultimately still be the Roughettes demise.
Following the Roughettes playoff elimination, their Head Basketball Coach Jared Neighbors reflected on the specific causes of the disappointing result.
“The main difference in tonight’s game was they had been there before and we hadn’t. They played with experience and we did not,” Coach Neighbors said. “It did not help that they were 18/32 from the free throw line, and we were 4/12. We just couldn’t get going offensively. The girls fought like they always do and tried to make it a game, cutting the lead to five in the fourth, but again just couldn’t get over the deficit we had in the beginning.”
Standouts for the Roughettes in the loss included Avyian McGlasson with seven points, five rebounds, two blocks, a steal and an assist, Kaytlin Clausen with seven points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, Kyndal Taggart with seven points, seven rebounds and two blocks, Camry Jourden with four points, a rebound and a steal, and Kathryn Flores with three points, three rebounds and a steal.
The loss concludes a great season for the Roughettes at 24-13 overall, and with all they accomplished, they can walk away with their heads held high.
“Overall, this season is nothing to be ashamed of, runner up in district, 24 wins and a gold ball. I’m very proud to be here in Sundown and excited about the future for sure,” Coach Neighbors said. “Big thanks to my two seniors, Aracelli Ibarra and Camry Jourden, their leadership and attitude was a great help in me getting started here and I will forever be grateful.”