Younger Lady Bison teams split with New Waverly

Hannah Laningham launches a jump shot for the 7th grade Lady Bison . In a quick turn-around to free up the weekend for a tournament, the junior high Lady Bison hit the road last Monday for a rematch with New Waverly's Lady Bulldogs. Buffalo won the previous encounter at the start of the season, but the rematch promised to provide quality basketball entertainment for all. The outcome was split with the seventh grade winning 17-21 and the eighth grade dropping a 43-36 decision.

The seventh grade contest was a foul-fest with a total of 57 violations reported. Buffalo scored eight unanswered points in the first quarter, but New Waverly's defense altered the Lady Bison's signature style of play. The Lady Bulldogs picked up the pace in the second quarter, outscoring the Lady Bison by one. Buffalo led 13-7 at the break.

The Lady Bison managed a single point in the third stanza while New Waverly closed to within three at 14-11. Buffalo tallied another seven in the fourth quarter to New Waverly's six for a 21-17 final.

Jessica Presutti stepped up to lead the Lady Bison with 8 points. Hailey Lanningham netted seven points while Taylor Rutledge contributed six. Presutti was a defensive standout as well along with Chelsea Brewer and Bethany Gaskin. Katie Glick and Shelby Ballard provided a strong inside presence for the Lady Bison. Scoring leader Hannah Lanningham drew a special defensive alignment throughout the night after her exhibition in their previous encounter.

The eighth grade contest promised to be quite a ballgame after the two teams' first meeting earlier in the year. Buffalo took an early lead, edging ahead 12-10 after the first six minutes. New Waverly exploded for fifteen second quarter points to lead 25-18 at the half. Not ready to give up, Buffalo climbed back into the contest with a twelvefive third quarter run to tie up the game at 30. The Lady Bulldogs scored another thirteen in the final minutes for the 43-36 win.

Raven Lott and Kylan Ferguson both reached double figures for the Lady Bison. Lott ripped the nets for sixteen points while Ferguson bucketed ten. Ana Lopez and Zelneisha Lockett each added four. Tara Reeder tacked on two. Shelby Reeder provided exceptional defense prior to being whistled for her final foul.

The 7th grade Lady Bison are 6-1 on the season while the 8th grader boasts a 6-2 slate.