By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Last season ended with the Logan-Rogersville Lady Wildcats on the cusp of program history.
After finally clearing one hurdle by winning its district tournament, Logan-Rogersville lost to Carl Junction by three points in the sectional round.
So, the Lady Wildcats adopted a fitting slogan heading into the 2018-19 season.
Why not a Logan-Rogersville run to the final four?
“We came up with that slogan, ‘Why not us?’” said Lady Wildcats coach Denny McHenry. “We know it’s difficult to win. We built our schedule to help (get) us in this position.”
After a disappointing loss Friday, Logan-Rogersville rebounded with a 54-33 win over Miller Career Academy in Saturday afternoon’s Class 4 3rd place game at Hammons Student Center.
Senior Jordyn Gault led three Lady Wildcats in double figures with 16 points. Maci McHenry added 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Sophia Nixon scored 11.
“We had a feeling that if everything lined up right, we’d have a chance to win a district championship,” Coach McHenry said. “Winning a district is the hardest thing, especially when you’re the No. 1 seed. Once we did that, you’re kind of playing with house money after that. It’s all icing on the cake.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Before this season, Logan-Rogersville had never made the final four in girls’ basketball.
“It’s a testament to our senior class and our underclassmen who have pushed us to get here,” said Lady Wildcats senior Sydney Dunavant, who also played on Logan-Rogersville’s state championship volleyball team in the fall. “We wouldn’t be here without their help. It’s awesome.”
Unlike Friday, Logan-Rogersville made shots – primarily around the basket.
The Lady Wildcats shot 22-for-40 from the field overall against Miller Career Academy, including a sizzling 64 percent (14-for-22) in the second half.
“It makes the biggest difference,” said Lady Wildcats senior Taylor Overstreet. “When we’re hitting shots, we can get back quicker on defense and get set up. Everything’s in our favor.”
In Friday’s semifinal loss to Lincoln College Prep, Logan-Rogersville shot 6-for-39 from the field against a 2-3 zone defense.
Logan-Rogersville found much more success against Miller Career Academy’s man-to-man defense.
All but four of Logan-Rogersville’s baskets were made inside the paint area.
“As a coach, I personally take the blame for us not being able to score against a zone defense,” Coach McHenry said. “We should’ve done a better job just throughout the whole season, not in one game. It’s nice to recover and score some points.”
Logan-Rogersville outscored Miller Career Academy 35-20 in the second half.
Leading 26-22, the Lady Wildcats went on a 22-5 run that spanned from late in the third quarter to late in the fourth quarter. A 3-pointer from Gault put Logan-Rogersville in control, 41-27, with six minutes remaining.
“Being the first time in the final four… First of all, we’re happy to be here. We’re one of four teams to still be playing,” Coach McHenry said. “We were disappointed yesterday, not in our effort, but in our shooting.”
Logan-Rogersville graduates a five-player senior class. Over the last four seasons, Logan-Rogersville has won 82 games and two district championships.
“It means everything. We’ve worked so hard for this,” Overstreet said. “I love these girls unconditionally. I would do anything for all of them.”
Logan-Rogersville’s departing senior class includes Coach McHenry’s daughter, Maci.
“I’ve had a chance to coach my boys, but to do it with my daughter… it’s special,” Coach McHenry said. “As her brothers have said, we wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Logan-Rogersville 54, Miller Career Academy 33
Logan-Rogersville 11 8 14 21 — 54
Miller Career Academy 7 6 10 10 — 33
Logan-Rogersville (24-8 overall) – Jordyn Gault 16, Maci McHenry 13, Sophia Nixon 11, Shelby Ince 8, Taylor Overstreet 4, Lauren Williams 2
Miller Career Academy (19-9 overall) – Ajanae Garrett 12, Daisha Seltzer 10, Rayn Tally 4, Antuanae Garrett 4, Raya Tally 2, Shadagha Clouson 1
