It's a record that the team doesn't want to record, but the Yuma High School girls' basketball club must somehow find a way to stop this record.
“(We) need to continue to make better bets as individuals,” coach Jeremy Robinson said. “Each individual has to win their own battle. That hasn't happened consistently.”
The Outlaws lost six straight to fall to 9-7 overall, dropping from second place in the Class 3A CHSAA selection and seeding index to seventh place.
Their losses were to undefeated Sidney, Nebraska, to undefeated Peyton, ranked No. 1 in 3A, to Strasburg, ranked No. 5 in 3A with a record of 13 wins and 4 losses, and in two particularly painful games, they were unable to defend their defense in the fourth quarter. It was against Ray and Wiggins. Lead. They then lost at home Thursday night to 2A No. 2 Sedgwick County, which led by five points in the fourth inning but lost 40-34.
“We played an incredibly competitive schedule and were able to accomplish our goals,” Robinson said. “We can't win at this point.”
It doesn't get any easier as they play undefeated 2A No. 1 Merino on Friday. Yuma will then head to a tough Caliche team on Tuesday to wrap up its final season in the league at Lower Platte, as it moves to the Patriot League next season.
The Outlaws were playing catch-up for most of last Thursday's game against Wiggins. They were down 5-0 and took the lead, but after that they were down 16-12. Although they trailed throughout the second quarter, they were able to catch up and tie the score at 22 points by halftime.
Wiggins then started the third with an 8-0 run. However, the Outlaws responded with a 15-2 run to take a 37-32 lead, but Wiggins cut the lead to 37-36 heading into the fourth. When the Tigers scored nine straight points to take a 45-38 lead, Yuma led by two and the Outlaws were doomed to a 47-41 loss.
Yuma made just 2 of 14 3-pointers, while Wiggins made just 3 of 13. Jade Langwitz had 15 points and 2 rebounds, Alina Moran had 7 points and 4 rebounds, Carolina Ross had 5 points, Ashley Ibanez had 3 points and 2 assists, Bailey Nicewonger had 3 points and 6 rebounds, and Emma Rayle had 2 points and 4 rebounds. Jaylin Makelberg had 4 assists and 2 points.
On Saturday, the Outlaws played a very good team in Strasburg. They fell behind 11-2 due to multiple turnovers and missed free throws. But somehow, they persisted and actually got within 16-15 in the second, leading by just 21-17 at halftime.
However, it was once again a slow start to the third quarter as Strasburg opened with an 11-0 run and eventually led by as many as 17 points at 37-20.
But again, the Outlaws methodically worked their way back into the game. By the end of the third inning, they had narrowed the gap to 10 points, and in the fourth they took the lead with their own 11-0 run to take a 46-45 lead. However, they lost 9-2 in the remaining games, and were unable to sustain the loss, losing 54-48.
“…When the game is over, I want to go into the game and get mad,” Robinson said. “It doesn't help because they're fighting so hard not to lose. You can't be mad at them for that. We're just struggling to win.”
Although neither team was playing well, with Strasburg making 29 more shots thanks to 18 offensive rebounds, Yuma actually had a 41-40 advantage. Yuma committed 27 turnovers. The Outlaws warmed up at the free throw line and made 18 of 29, including 9 of 10 by Moran.
In fact, Moran had 9 points and 7 rebounds, Lungwitz had 8 points and 2 rebounds, Ross had 7 points and 2 steals, Ibanez had 6 points and 3 rebounds, Berkley Nieswonger had 6 points and 3 rebounds, Taryn Sheffield had 5 points and 6 rebounds, and Reil had the best results. left. Bailey Neiswonger had 4 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, Mekelburg had 4 rebounds and Aubrey Black had 2 assists.
