By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
Despite a one-point loss on a last second shot Tuesday against Three Rivers, Buchanan's girls basketball coach Bill Weaver said his team isn't upset by the heart-breaking loss.
Both teams played tough on offensive and defensive Tuesday to keep the score close throughout the game.
The score was tied 10-10 at the end of the first quarter. Sheena Bradshaw had two 3-pointers in the period. Three Rivers nailed a 3-pointer with two seconds left in the first to tie it up.
After playing tough man-to-man defense, Three Rivers threw its zone at Buchanan half-way through the second, giving them a slight challenge, but the Bucks handled it well. Sheena Bradshaw hit another 3-pointer giving her three for the half.
DeeDee Thompson also gave the Bucks 6 points in the first half. Three Rivers had a 29-23 advantage to end the half.
The third quarter grew intense for both teams. After Buchanan caught up to Three Rivers early in the third, neither team had a lead of more than four points.
Bradshaw bombed another 3-pointer with 4:55 left in the quarter to give her four on the night. DeeDee Thompson gave Buchanan two more points and Hayley Cashier nailed two free throws putting Buchanan up by one late in the third.
Both teams were anxious and excited entering the fourth quarter, which caused them both to have some crucial turnovers, Weaver said.
Buchanan had a 44-40 lead 5:15 into the quarter. Three Rivers added two more points, cutting the lead in half.
Thompson hit a shot, assisted by Kamila Svobodovatp, to put the Bucks up 46-42. Three Rivers then bombed a 3-pointer with 2:58 left, once again slicing the lead to two.
Kendra Kutz was fouled with 2:05 left. She made both free throws for the Wildcats putting them in the lead 46-47.Katie Backus turned around and added a crucial basket for the Bucks, giving them the lead 48-47. Buchanan stayed ahead the last two minutes of the fourth.
Three Rivers had possession with four seconds left, however. The Wildcats took advantge, draining a shot to give them the 49-48 victory.
Buchanan's JV team suffered a loss to Three Rivers, 72-48. Lindsey Borr lead Buchanan with 20 points.