Tigers junior high girls steadily improving
The Osmond Tigers junior high girls basketball team was defeated in overtime 32-28 on Monday,
February 3 in Osmond. They won the B game 5-0.
For the Tigers, who have been gradually improving as the season has gone on, the game was another
example of their growth.
“This season has been really fun. Coach Viterna and I can just see the growth these girls have made as a
team and as individuals,” Tigers Coach Scott Morrison said.
The game was a great team effort for the Tigers who found ways to continue to limit the Bobcats
offense as the game progressed.
This was evident as they continued to hold Summerland to fewer and fewer points each quarter: eight in
the first, seven in the second, five in the third, and four in the fourth.
Though Belle Vinson didn’t score for the Tigers, her presence was felt throughout the game.
“Belle was a key component on defense,” Morrison said. “She was there on help defense over and over
again. She also owned the rebounds.”
She had nine rebounds and four steals.
The game started out a little rocky for the Tigers who seemed a little timid against the Bobcats 1-3-1
zone.
However, as the game progressed, the Tigers were much more aggressive in attacking the open spots.
The Tigers outscored the Bobcats 12-9 in the second half.
Sophie Gansebom turned it on offensively in the second half, scoring six points including two clutch free-
throws near the end of the game to give the Tigers a 24-22 lead with less than a minute left.
She scored a season high eight points in the game.
Down the stretch, after the Bobcats had tied the game at 24-24, the Tigers had an baseline out-of-
bounds play opportunity with about :24 left to go in the game.
The Tigers took a timeout to try and get the play right.
“We called timeout and I asked who wanted to take the shot,” Tigers Coach Scott Morrison said.
“Without a moment’s hesitation Keli Aschoff raised her hand. I admire her confidence and courage.”
Aschoff scored six points for the Tigers, all of which came in the second quarter and helped the Tigers
stay in the game up to that point.
While the play didn’t lead to the bucket the Tigers were hoping for, they did get another shot in
overtime.
In overtime the Tigers were down 29-28 and had to foul to try and get the ball back. Summerland’s
number 22, who scored 20 of her team’s 32 points, hit three of four free-throws to secure the victory.
Caydence Krienert and Erin Wagner both scored points for the Tigers.
“Caydence was much more aggressive in the second half. She drove the ball to the hoop a few times and
took a couple nice shots,” Morrison said. “This young lady has got some serious potential to develop
into a really good player.”
“Wagner continues to grow. She has solid fundamentals and instincts defensively and offensively,”
Morrison said.
Tessa Gardner got better as the game went on. She showed a lot of toughness down in the paint and
was a solid rebounder in the later stretches of the game.
She pulled down eight boards!
Anna Kahny was the epitome of a great team player throughout the game. Though her opportunities
were limited, she waited her turn and did her best when she was out on the floor.
She scored her two points in overtime. She had a rebound, an assist, and a block.
Callie Hoffman, who has been one of the most aggressive Tigers in going to the hoop, played well once
again. She had four rebounds, a steal, and a block.
Julie Kumm had another solid contribution to the Tigers effort. She played well despite limited
opportunities.
“Anna, Callie, and Julie are type of girls essential to a team,” Morrison said. “These three girls are selfless
and continue to get better with experience.”
In the B game, the Tigers won 5-0.
Sisters Julie Kumm and Breanna Kumm both did a great job defensively. Julie had four rebounds and
four steals, while Brianna had four steals.
Keely Gubbels made a nice contribution with a steal on defense. She also took a couple shots that nearly
went in.
Anna Kahny was in charge for the guards and made a well-balanced contribution to the Tigers effort. She
had two rebounds, a steal, and an assist.
She also scored a point.
Erin Wagner scored four points and had two steals.
Jamie Gubbels, once again, made a really nice contribution. She gives her best effort and everyone
appreciates it.
Thanks go to Coach Terry Viterna for his input and for taking stats.
“Coach V. is great with the girls. He’s a wealth of knowledge, and we’re lucky to have him!” Morrison
said.
A GAME 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th OT Final
Osmond 6 6 8 4 4 28
Summerland 8 7 5 4 8 32
B Game 4 th Total
Osmond 5 5
Summerland 0 0
