By Don Eskins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Crane Pirates defeated the Hollister Tigers 50-39 to defend their home court and grab the 2022 Crane Basketball Invitational championship in Crane on Saturday afternoon.
A tenacious Pirate defensive effort set the tone for what was to come for the Tigers. Through the first eight minutes of play Crane limited Hollister to just five points while putting up 17 of their own.
“We hang our hats on our defense, it’s what we’re mostly about, our kids play aggressively and try to keep up on the ball,” said Crane head coach Jeremy Mullins. “Tonight I was a little disappointed with our hands, we had some issues with fouls because of it, but so did Hollister. However, our kids did move their feet well.”
“They jumped on us early and made us play their game. We like to slow the game down, pack things in the middle and look for mismatches,” said Hollister head coach Kevin Besch. “But after jumping out in front by twelve they forced us out of our game and into theirs which is exactly what they were hoping to do.”
While shutting Hollister down in the first quarter Crane’s Kaylie Vaught, Taylor Cleveland and Gracie Rich went to work offensively. Cleveland found her way to the bucket for seven first quarter points, Vaught six and Rich four to give the Pirates a 17-5 lead as the two teams headed into second period play.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Although outscored in the second quarter 15-13, Hollister began finding its way to the bucket, but trailed by 14 at the half, 32-18.
The Tigers outscored Crane over the final two periods of play 21-18 but the damage had been done. Crane, behind Kaylie Vaught and Taylor Cleveland’s 14 points, grabbed the 50-39 win and with it a tournament championship.
“We knew Hollister was a good team and that they’d be tough,” said Vaught. “But we got things going early and never let up. We held together as a team and got it done.”
Mullins was quick to point out the effort and significance of Vaught’s play.
“Kaylie’s usually a starter but she’s had a problem with her shoulder and is just coming back from surgery,” he said. “We’re trying to get her worked back into our rotation. So far she’s done an outstanding job.”
“We also got a great offensive effort from Taylor Cleveland.,” said the Pirate coach. “Only a freshman she’s still learning. She kept her cool and tonight, ran and executed our game really well. I’m very proud of her effort.”
Rounding out Crane’s scoring were Gracie Rich 10, Allie Frieze 5, Sayd Vaught 4 and Averie Amos 3.
Leading Hollister offensively was Brisa Gere with 9. She was joined by Kingsley Tiefry-Morlang with 7, Chaylen Russell 6, Gracie Jennings 6, Renee Sutton 6, Mackenzie Hamilton 3 and Hannah Ponder 2.
Besch was especially pleased with the play he got from Gere.
“Brisa played well for us tonight. She’s the one we look for to run our offense around,” he said. “She can shoot from anywhere but she’s especially good inside. She definitely impacts our team when she’s on the floor.”
With the win Crane is now 4-0 on the year, Hollister 2-2.
Box Score
Hollister 05 13 12 09 39
Crane 17 15 09 09 50
All-Tournament Team
1. Jaicee Carrasquillo – Verona
2. Breeanna Rice – Galena
3. Camryn Parker – Greenwood
4. Brisa Gere – Hollister
5. Taylor Cleveland – Crane
6. Lillie Woodward – Crane
