HARTFORD — The Southern Coffey County girls basketball team has been very up-and-down this season — as the Titans’ 5-6 record indicates — but Tuesday may represent a turning point for the Titans.
Coach Jeff True’s squad went into Hartford and knocked off the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association’s No. 4 team in Class 1A-Division 2 by a final margin of 54-43.
“It was probably our best quality of win that we have had,” True said. “We played a 3-2 zone to limit their shooters and we were also able to use our press.”
The Titans fell behind 9-7 after the opening quarter and it seemed as though the Jaguars would be able to run their record to 9-0 this season, but Southern Coffey County juniors Erikah Lyons and Danielle Kasprzak had other plans in mind.
Led by their two stars, the Titans controlled the middle portions of the game and out-sccored Hartford 33-16 in the second and third periods before holding on in the fourth for the win.
“(Lyons and Kasprzak) did a good job of going to the basket and they got some good looks by doing that,” True said. “They also shot the ball well from the outside, especially (Kasprzak).”
Lyons and Kasprzak powered the Titan attack with 40 combined points. Kasprzak had 23 points and Lyons finished with 17.
Lyons was all over the court from her point guard spot and led the team in rebounds, assists and steals. Lyons had 12 rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
The biggest key for the Titans was something they have been lacking in some games this season and that was the production from the supporting cast.
The Titans around Kasprzak and Lyons only accounted for 14 total points, but they played a very efficient game.
“We played nine girls,” True said. “Really among those other seven girls, if we can just get four or five or six points out of them on given nights, (Kasprzak and Lyons) are going to get their points. We just need points from the other players more consistently. That will help us a bunch.”
Sophomore forward Haven Harvey led that group of contributors. After not attempting a shot on Friday against Olpe, she finished with six points on 3-of-4 shooting.
Jordyn Stone hit a big three-pointer down the stretch on her only shot of the game.
All three of the Titans’ seniors were able to crack the scoring column with Kaitlyn Meats and Emma Lehmann each scoring two and Carolyn Vanderman having one.
“It was a good team effort,” True said. “It was nice to see us put together four quarters. We have struggled to do that this year, but last night, they put it all together.”
According to True, the unsung hero of the game was freshman Bryli Copeland, who provided the team will quality minutes at point guard.
“She did a really good job of taking care of the ball and she played up top on our press and was the point on the 3-2 zone,” True said. “It was a quiet type of performance. If she continues to take care of the ball at the point, it allows us to do more things with Erikah.”
Time will tell how good this Titans’ team can be, but Tuesday’s win certainly provided a message to the rest of the Lyon County League that you can’t overlook the ladies from LeRoy.
BOYS
The Jaguars beat the Titan boys, 54-42.
UP NEXT
The Titans will host Madison on Friday.
