A “sluggish” Yates Center High girls team came up short Tuesday in a 38-31 loss to Chetopa.
The Wildcats had several opportunities to turn the tide in their favor, but could not take advantage, head coach Abbie Collins said.
Chetopa led 9-6 after one quarter and 20-13 at the break. Yates Center limited Chetopa to only two field goals in the third quarter to pull within five, but the Hornets hit just enough free throws — 4 of 10 — in the fourth quarter to keep the advantage.
“We played very sluggish,” Collins said. “We were in the game and had many chances but we have to work harder on the defensive end.”
Morgan Collins scored 13 for the Wildcats. Molly Proper was next with six. Liberty Cavender, Grace Westerman and Addison Solander all had four.
Brali Conard scored 18 for Chetopa. Tayler Beard had 10.
IN BOYS action, Yates Center turned on the jets in the second half, turning a 29-24 halftime lead to 54-34 lead by the end of the third quarter.
By the time the dust settled, the Wildcats were on their way to a 64-48 victory.
Sean and Preston Hurst led the charge with 19 and 12 points, respectively. Jack King and Taven Smoot each added eight. Carter Burton chipped in with six, Blake Audiss five, Jayston Rice four and Mark Bacca two.
