By Andrew Moser
Leader Staff Writer
The Lady Wildcats Basketball team got a taste of how it’s going to be in Oakland Activities Association this past week, and it was one they would soon like to wash out of their mouth.
They started the week against rival Lake Orion on Tuesday, Dec. 1, and before the end of the first quarter, there was no question that the Wildcats had some more work to do.
After jumping out to a 4-1 lead on two baskets by senior Taylor Medel, the Dragons reeled off 37 straight points en route to a 68-24 victory over the Wildcats.
‘We got out to a good start in the first three minutes, but got into foul trouble. That put us back on our heels a little bit and they took full advantage,? said Coach Al Poynter.
The Wildcats came and showed some spunk to start the second half as senior Megan Tilley hit two threes as part of an 8-2 run for the Wildcats. She finished with eight points, while sophomore Sam Myers and senior Emily Brooks finished with 6 points each. ‘We are a young team, and even our returning players are still growing and learning their expanded roles,? Poynter said. ‘So we still have some growing pains and continue to improve.?
The schedule didn’t get any easier as the Wildcats opened up their home schedule against OAA foe Troy High School.
Once again, a poor first quarter doomed the Wildcats, as they were outscored 25-8.
‘For the second straight game, we gave up for too many points in the first quarter defensively,? said Poynter. ‘That , plus our continued struggles in taking care of the ball offensively, put us in a huge hole that we couldn’t dig out of.?
Tilley finished the game with eight points, while Brooks and sophomore Allysa DeLong each had four points and three rebounds. The Wildcats committed 30 turnovers for the second straight game.
Senior Point Guard Allie Laidlaw missed both games with a knee injury, but Poynter hoped that she could return to practice in time to open up Flint Metro League play at home against Clio on Friday, Dec. 11.
Despite the losses, Poynter looked at the games as valuable experience for his team going forward. ‘Each team we played this week is a member of the OAA red division, which is the top division of the new league we are joining next year, and our girls gained valuable experience from playing against excellent competition.?