Cowgirls crush Trojans

After a slow start, Crook County steamrolled the Douglas Trojans 62-17 to advance to the first round of the OSAA Class 4A girls state basketball playoffs.

The Trojans' Geneva Johnson scored first to give Douglas a 2-0 lead. However, the Cowgirls responded by scoring 15 of the next 16 points in the game to take a 15-3 lead at the end of the first period.

"We started to get our transition game going and push the ball out a little bit more," head coach Dave Johnson said. "I think that we went through stretches where we were not turning the basketball over, which is important for us. We had a lot of turnovers tonight, which is not good, but at times we played well."

Although Douglas forced the Cowgirls into several turnovers in the second quarter, Crook County was able to maintain their lead.

After leading 26-13 at the half, the second half belonged to the Cowgirls. Crook County turned up the defensive pressure and gave up just four second-half points as they ran away for the easy win.

Channele Fulton led the Cowgirls offensive explosion with 22 points -
Danni Severance goes to the hoop for two of her 14 points against Douglas Friday night.

LON AUSTIN/CENTRAL OREGONIAN

Danni Severance goes to the hoop for two of her 14 points against Douglas Friday night.
including three long range bombs. Fulton also earned praise from Johnson for her rebounding in the game.

"She had a great shooting night," he said. "But I think she also had a great rebounding night. She's the kind of kid that can really get in there."

Fulton finished the game with eight rebounds, and was also responsible for several steals that led to easy fast break baskets for the Cowgirls.

"I couldn't be more proud of our team," Fulton said. "We've worked hard all year and it's just a great feeling knowing that we're going to get to state."

Crook County's Danni Severance was the only other player on either team to finish the game in double figures with 14 points.

"Severance showed a lot of great leadership tonight," Johnson said. "Really, all of our seniors showed a lot of leadership tonight. It was definitely a physical game, and they did a good job of keeping their composure and just getting up and going back to play defense."

Severance also had a solid rebounding night with seven rebounds.

"I don't even know any words that can describe the feelings I have," she said after the game. "I'm just so excited and anxious, and I'm ready to see how we come out (in the playoff seeding). I know we can go far."

Douglas was led by Johnson who finished with seven points.

With the victory, the Cowgirls raised their record to 12-13, while Douglas fell to 6-16 on the season.

The Cowgirls will go on the road Saturday to take on the Central Panthers in a first-round playoff game.

Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.

"We're very excited about the opportunity to go to state," Johnson said. "Hopefully we can progress one more round. For us to be able to make our next step, we have to be able to go out and get a win on the road and that's what we are going to prepare for this week."

Friday, Feb. 25

at Crook County

Douglas (17) - Geneva Johnson 7, Rietmann 5, Miller 3, Alexander 2, Jellison, Warren, Harris, Erickson, Valencia. Totals 7 2-14 17.

Crook County (62) - Channele Fulton 22, Severance 14, Walker 5, Buswell 4, Pope 3, Ovens 3, McKenzie 3, Johnston 2, Crofcheck 2, Apperson 1, Martin 1. Totals 22 13-28 62.

Douglas 3 10 2 2 - 17

Crook County 15 11 18 18 - 62

Three-point goals - Douglas: Rietmann. Crook County: Fulton 3, Walker, Ovens.

Article by: Lon Austin / Central Orgegonian