PLEASANTON — A young Yates Center High’s girls squad has taken its lumps on the basketball court this season.
But the Wildcats showed once again that brighter days aren’t far off.
Yates Center rallied from a 14-point deficit, largely on the shoulders of sophomore Kinley Morrison, and had host Pleasanton on its heels in the second half.
Morrison’s steal and layup to end the third quarter had Yates Center within 24-19.
The Wildcats still were within five when the well ran dry, however.
Yates Center’s shots stopped falling down the stretch, allowing Pleasanton to pull away in a 36-23 win.
“We just didn’t make enough shots,” Yates Center head coach Kevin Brown said, “but I’m so proud of the girls.”
Morrison was a monster, scoring 20 of Yates Center’s 23 points.
She personally outscored Pleasanton 9-1 in the third quarter, as Yates Center turned a 23-9 halftime deficit to 24-19 by the end of the period.
“We’ve challenged the girls, especially coming back from the break, to play hard, to play to win. They’ve really taken to it.”
Brown was complimentary of Yates Center’s ability to defend and box out during the comeback attempt.
“That’s always a big key,” he said. “You never want to give away easy, second-chance baskets.”
Jayda Rice added two points and Peyton Petit one for the Wildcats, who return to action Tuesday at Iola’s War on 54 Tournament. Yates Center tangles with Anderson County at 6:30 p.m. in the Iola Elementary School gymnasium.
