Lamar Lady Lopes Drop two at Hutchinson Thanksgiving Classic

The Lamar Lady Lopes took on Dodge City at the Hutchinson Thanksgiving Classic, dropping the first game 72-61.

The game was a tail of two halves. LCC jumped out early using pressure defense and a strong transition game to take an early 10 point lead against the Conq’s.  Lamar led 17-7 early in the game. However, foul trouble and turnovers allowed Dodge City to stay close as LCC went to halftime with a 33-25 lead.  The Lady Lopes struggles in the first half were largely due to a season high 21 turnovers in the first half.

The turnover and foul problems continued into the second half. Lamar was able to extend their lead to 13 points with 11 minutes remaining at 45-31.  From this point, LCC could no longer fight through their struggles. Dodge City fought back using a strong half court defense that led to many fast break opportunities and an 18-0 run to take a 49-45 lead.

With four players having four fouls each and on the bench, Dodge City was able to extend their lead to 12 points.  Lamar made a charge late to cut the lead to 63-58 with six minutes remaining. However, that was as close as they could get as starters Maryam Dogo, Micheda Sobers and key reserve T’Aundra Wrighter each fouling out.

“The foul trouble definitely affected us,” stated Coach Michael Wells, “but the turnovers were the bigger issues.”  LCC had a season high 42 turnovers which ultimately were too many to overcome. “We simply must learn from this and work to ensure that we get better.  You cannot win at this level by committing that many turnovers”.

LCC had four players scoring in double figures with Maryam Dogo leading the way with 13.  Others in double figure scoring were LaKeisha Blanson with 12, Sarah Leister with 11, and Hailey Owen with 10. Dogo also led the way on the boards with 9 rebounds, followed by Brandi Charles with 8.

On Saturday, LCC took on NJCAA #3 team in the nation Hutchinson Community College. The game tempo early favored Hutchinson and they were able to get many points in transition and jumped out to an early 17-3 lead. They were able to cruise to an easy 103-39 victory over the Lady Lopes.

Turnovers once again were a problem for LCC as they committed 17 in the first half alone, which allowed Hutchinson CC to get into their transition game and race out to a 69-19 halftime lead.  “I knew that it would be a great challenge for us to play a team such as Hutch, and I knew that we would need to play a great game in order to challenge them, however, their speed was just too much for us.  Being down 50 at the half was tough for us to accept as a team, but we will continue to grow, continue to work as a team, and continue to get better so we don’t put ourselves in this situation in the future,” stated Coach Michael Wells.

The Lady Lopes did a much better job in the second half controlling the tempo of the game and not allowing Hutch to race out to easy transition baskets.  Lamar was determined to play with pride, holding Hutch to only 34 second half points.  “The effort and focus in the second half was a better example of where this team is and where our program is,” said Coach Wells. “I know that we did not have a good performance in either game, but I know that we can play better than we showed in these two games.”

Hailey Owen led LCC in scoring with her college career high of 13 points.  Also scoring in double figures was Maryam Dogo with 10.  Dogo also led LCC with 12 rebounds.

Lamar returns to action on the road Wednesday at Colby College.  LCC defeated Colby early in Lamar, 69-59.

Chloe-Ana Dorris
Wellness Center Director
Lamar Community College
2401 S. Main
(719)336-1678/ (719)688-7847
www.lamarcc.edu