By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - The senior leadership pulled through for the Lady Cats basketball team Friday night as Brandywine took a 34-31 win over visiting Buchanan in Lakeland Conference action.
The entire game stayed very close as the lead after ever quarter was no bigger than a three point margin.
After the first period of play, it was Buchanan which had the 9-7 lead. Entering the second, the Bucks extended the lead to 12-7 when Hayley Cashier bombed a three, posting the biggest lead for the rest of the contest.
Entering halftime, Buchanan again held on to a small 20-19 lead.
Brandywine had a chance to tie the game when Mallory Barber was put on the line with no time remaining after a foul by the Bucks, but the first shot was unsuccessful.
A flip-flopping third period saw six lead changes. The Bucks were able to break free with just over two minutes left in the quarter, when Ashley Pointer bombed a three pointer, followed by two from Cashier, but the Lady Cats were quick to come back when Kelli Zache and Barber both contributed baskets, giving Brandywine a 30-29 lead entering the final period.
Buchanan was never able to regain the lead in the fourth and only made one shot from Emily Ross at the 6:08 mark. Buckets from Kari Konopka and Zache and a strong defense from Brandywine helped keep the ‘Cats ahead.
Buchanan had chances to catch up, but every shot attempted was missed. As seconds wound down, Ross threw up a three-pointer in hopes of tying the game, but the shot bounced off the rim and Brandywine celebrated the victory.
The Bucks only shot 11-of-55 from the field.
Cashier was the leading scorer with nine points for Buchanan. Ross added eight and Pointer and Bachleda both contributed five.
Leading Brandywine in scoring was Kelli Zache with nine. Kari Konopka added six and Newman had five.
The Bobcats improved their record to 10-8 and will take on Lake Michigan Catholic on Tuesday at home. Tip off time is set for 7 p.m.
Buchanan will travel to River Valley on Thursday.
Junior varsity game
Brandywine's JV team also took a close 49-43 win over visiting Buchanan.
Missy Cooper lead the Lady Cats with 27 points, while Alexa Perry and Emily Low added six each.
Felicia Cox was the top scorer for the Bucks with 26 points and Rachel Hunt added eight.
Brandywine's JV team will host Lake Michigan Catholic on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Buchanan will travel to River Valley, with tip off set for 5:30 p.m.