EC's last-second surge too late
By KRIS BAGLEY sports@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Kris Bagley Follow Through Ashley Brooks takes a shot against Lamar Consolidated Tuesday.

Tuesday's 57-56 loss to Lamar Consolidated in Rosenberg gave the Lady 'Birds a date to look forward to immediately after the game.

El Campo will host the Lady Mustangs Jan. 25 for a chance for revenge in the close defeat. In the meantime, the girls basketball team will focus on the rest of District 24- 4A as will Lamar, but only one team will likely look forward to the second match later this month.

"They better not because we're looking forward to them coming," Noma Kremling, head coach of the Lady 'Birds, said. "We cannot wait. I knew it was going to be a competitive game, but I think there were some things going on on that court that aren't going to happen in Ricebird Gymnasium."

It was a very physical match for the Lady 'Birds.

The Lady Mustangs, led by senior Kristen Horde, challenged El Campo with strong guard play throughout the night. Loose balls were met with both teams diving to the floor, fighting for possession and most plays were filled with close contact.

The Lady 'Birds struggled to start the game on a strong note with several turnovers. By halftime, El Campo was behind 22-21. After the third quarter, Lamar led 28-33. It was in the fourth that the Lady 'Birds staged a great comeback in the game's final minutes.

Down 51-43 with 2:34 left to play, the Lady 'Birds started a run anchored by the shooting skills of Ashley Brooks and Shae Solomon.

"We were down 8 and all the sudden we just decided, 'Let's step up and let's finish out strong,'" Kremling said. "We went on a run and the next thing you know, we were right back there. We just came up a little bit short because you have to spend a tremendous amount of energy."

With 23.5 seconds left in the game and down 54-50, Ashley Thomas jumped in front of a Lady Mustang pass for a steal and was immediately fouled. She made her first free throw but missed her second.

In on the rebound was Solomon, who put the ball back in for a 3-point play and cut Lamar's lead to 54-53.

El Campo was forced to foul Horde with only 14 seconds remaining. She made both free throws to push Lamar's lead to 3 points. A turnover led to another foul, but this time a free throw was missed.

With under 5 seconds left to play and behind 57-53, El Campo brought the ball down for another play. Brooks nailed a 3-pointer with 3.7 seconds left in the game to cut the score to 57-56, but time was on Lamar's side.

The Lady Mustangs inbounded the ball as the clock expired with Lamar ahead by 1 point.

"I felt like when we came in here, it was going to be a very competitive and physical game," Kremling said. "I thought the girls did a great job. We'd certainly like to have a 1-point win instead of a 1-point loss, but that's what we take home with us and we've got to get ready for Terry. The next time it comes around, we'll be ready to play again at Ricebird Gymnasium."

LADY 'BIRD STATS

Lamar 57, El Campo 56

1st 2nd 3rd 4th F EC 10 11 12 23 - 56 LC 10 12 16 19 - 57

EC Leaders

POINTS - Ashley Brooks 18, Angel Brooks 11, Shae Solomon 9, Ebonee Spencer 6, Ashley Thomas 5, Chelsi Robinson 5

REBOUNDS - As. Brooks 11, An. Brooks 6, Spencer 6

STEALS - Robinson 7, An. Brooks 7, As. Brooks 5

ASSISTS - Spencer 4, As. Brooks 3, Solmon 2, Thomas 2