Kimball Junior High girls split season opener against Pine Bluffs

The Kimball Junior High girls basketball club began their games from on Tuesday, Nov. 8 against Pine Bluffs, Wyo.

Though the seventh grade ladies lost 11-19, coach Michele Daum is optimistic for the coming season.

“I saw good things for our first game out with the 7th graders,” Daum said. “Please keep in mind that Pine Bluffs came into this game having already played six games.”

Top scorer for the young ladies first outing was Payton Wise, who racked up six points.

“I was proud of Payton, handling the pressure the way she did,” Daum said.

Following Wise on the board was Maddison Merryfield and Katie Heeg with two points each and Tianna Stierwalt with one.

Daum added, “I was proud of the way Katie played defense and I saw really good things from Tianna Stierwalt. Maddie brought a tremendous amount of intensity and had some great passes for points today. This group has the potential of being really good.”

Eighth grade play brought a win for the young ladies, 36-20 with Megan Spicer leading on the board at 20.

“This is the first time we have had a win against Pine Bluffs in 4 years. I am so proud of this group,” Daum said. “If we would have made half of our layups we would have scored about 60 points, but what I saw for their first game out was wonderful.”

Following Spicer on the scoreboard was Sammie Bemis with seven, Emma Martin and Brooklyn Golding with four each and Raven Johnson with one.

Daum was happy with the level of play she got from this team as well.

“Great intensity and working well together,” she said. “Sammie was a spark both offensively and especially on defense. Her hustle and tenacity lifted the whole team. Megan also handled the pressure of being at the point guard and had many steals herself. I was especially proud of Raven Johnson for coming off the bench and rebounding and fighting for the ball at all times. My inside play still needs a little work, but they all played hard and have great attitudes.”