The Houston High School girls basketball team nearly avenged a 24-point December loss to Hartville on Monday night.
Traveling to play the Lady Eagles, senior guard Lacey Cavaness scored 14 points in the first quarter to give Houston a 14-12 lead after the opening period. Despite Cavaness not scoring in the second quarter, Houston tacked on another 9 points to lead 23-21 at the half.
In the third quarter, Cavaness poured in another 15 points and senior forward Sophia Crites added 4 to give Houston a 42-36 lead heading into the final period of play.
However, Houston would go ice cold in the fourth quarter, only scoring one field goal and shooting 2-for-5 from the free-throw line. Hartville sophomore Kinley Cryer took advantage, scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter, including 4-for-4 from the line.
Hartville completed the comeback, winning 53-46. In a Dec. 26, 2024 game at the 11th annual Mountain Grove Holiday Tournament, the Lady Eagles defeated the Lady Tigers 61-37.
“I think the biggest change we’ve been trying to make is just really focusing on working more as a team,” said HHS head coach Micah Lee. “We are working toward good ball movement and adding that extra pass.”
Cavaness finished the game with a career-high 31 points, matching her 31-point performance against Salem on Jan. 13.
“We are more aware of our spacing and we’re giving ourselves more time for good looks on offense,” said Lee. “You can definitely see how that improved our scoring opportunities, especially with Lacey pouring in 33 points, a fantastic night for her.”
For Hartville, Cryer finished the game with 23 points and sophomore Madeline Brown scored 12. The Lady Eagles shot 14-for-22 from the free-throw line and the Lady Tigers shot 7-for-13.
Houston (6-14; 1-3 SCA) takes on South Iron on Saturday (Feb. 15) before a home game against county-rival Cabool on Monday (Feb. 17).
HHS GIRLS DEFEAT COUCH
The HHS girls basketball team picked up its sixth win of the season on Saturday in a Liberty Legends Shootout game against Couch.
The Lady Tigers played some of their best basketball during the first half of the game against a Couch team that was 14-8 entering the match. Houston held a 37-19 lead at the half, largely due to a 22-point second quarter offensive outburst and junior forward Gracyn McNiell’s 11 first half points.
However, things would get interesting in the second half, with Couch narrowing the margin from 18 points to 13 by the end of the third quarter. Despite only scoring 8 points in the fourth quarter, the Lady Tigers managed to hold off a comeback and win 57-52.
“All I can say about the game is that apparently we like to keep it interesting,” said Lee. “But a win is a win.”
Leading all scorers was Cavaness with 18 points, including two 3-pointers. McNiell finished the game with 12 points and Crites added 9.
Sophomore Karlee Clayton led the Lady Indians with 14 points, all coming in the second half. Freshman Saphera Smith added 12 points.
The Lady Tigers shot well from the charity stripe, going 17-for-24. Couch shot 12-for-13.
GIRLS NO MATCH FOR LIBERTY
The Lady Tigers hosted the Liberty Lady Eagles on Thursday, Feb. 6. At the half, Liberty held a 25-9 lead thanks to 11 points from senior Hadley Chowning.
The visitors wouldn’t look back, winning 49-32. Chowning finished with 15 points and sophomore Delani Ellett added 11.
For Houston, four players scored 6 points: seniors Kynlee Weaver, Crites and Makinley Aaron and junior McNiell.
Both teams struggled from the free-throw line, with Liberty shooting 12-for-24 and Houston shooting 6-for-16.