HHS senior Gracyn McNiell embraces coach Micah Lee as she comes off the court in the final moments of the Lady Tigers' Senior Night win over Ava. (Jeff McNiell, Houston Herald)
The Houston girls basketball team earned a SCA win while also sending out its two seniors as winners in Thursday night’s regular-season finale.
The Lady Tigers topped Ava 44-33 inside Tiger Fieldhouse for conference win No. 2 and a sweet farewell for seniors Gracyn McNiell and Ashley Gilbert.
HHS (5-18, 2-5 SCA) opens play in Class 3 District 9 at home Monday against Liberty. Tipoff is 5:30 p.m.
Fifth straight double-double for McNiell
McNiell has been a force on the inside down the stretch for Houston. The 5-foot-6 forward scored 21 points on 5-of-11 shooting and grabbed 17 rebounds for her fifth consecutive double-double and 10th of the season. She also had 3 of the team’s 9 steals and drew 2 charges.
16-0 first quarter run sparks HHS
After Ava scored the game’s first points, Houston went on a 16-0 run to take a commanding lead it would never relinquish. The Lady Tigers outscored Ava in 3 of the 4 quarters and despite committing 28 turnovers against the Lady Bears’ fullcourt pressure, HHS held strong down the stretch.
Strong finish to regular season
Following a 16-game losing streak, HHS has found success to end the regular season. The Lady Tigers won 4 out of their final 6 games, including conference wins against Cabool and Ava.
Big advantage at foul line
The Lady Tigers shot a season-best 19-for-25 (76%) from the free-throw line compared to Ava’s 5-for-10. McNiell made 11 of her 13 attempts and sophomore Ava Koch converted 5 of 6.
Gilbert strong inside in farewell
Gilbert grabbed nine rebounds to team with McNiell to give the Lady Tigers a huge advantage on the interior. HHS out-rebounded Ava 46-23, including 13 offensive rebounds. McNiell, Koch and Millie Manier had 3 offensive rebounds apiece.
