Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Wolverettes Show Out Against Go-Devils

Gurdon's Lady Go-Devils found out just how good Prescott's Wolverettes are.

Prescott, making the short trip to southern Clark County, Tuesday, Nov. 10, pasted the Lady Devils 75-52 in the season opener for both squads.

The game was typical for the two old rivals. Both pushed the ball downcourt trying for fast breaks and easy baskets. However, the Prescott defense proved to be too much for Gurdon.

First blood was drawn by the visitors from Nevada County. In fact, the Wolverettes opened 5-0 in the first two minutes of the game.

Gurdon's first points came at the 5:19 mark of the first on a trey to cut the score to 5- 3.

Both sides made early season mistakes and turnovers, but Prescott's talent showed. The Wolverettes introduced a new wrinkle in their offensive attack going inside more.

Senior Jessica Hendrix stepped up her game from last season, calling for the ball more and firing away from 10 and 12 feet, as well as battling inside for rebounds.

Andrea Cossey moved inside the three-point arc as well, driving the lanes in search of the basket. Make no mistake, though, Cossey can still light it up from the perimeter with no problem.

The first eight minutes ended with Prescott leading 21-14, as the Lady Devils fought hard to stay in the game.

The Wolverettes stepped up their defense in the second quarter, making it hard for the hosts to get baskets.

Both squads picked up the pace on offense and defense, with bodies flying everywhere trying for loose balls.

Though the Wolverettes were in the bonus to start the period, it was the Lady Devils who came out firing. Gurdon's senior girls cut the lead to 22-17 with 7:33 left in the half.

This irritated Prescott's crew, and the Wolverettes responded. At the 5:36 mark, Prescott led 30-18, and went on a 12-2 run for the remainder of the half.

Still, Gurdon played a tight man defense, while Prescott relied primarily on a 1-3-1 zone, forcing the home team to work the ball more.

While Gurdon Coach Sandra Hatley substituted early and often, usually with three or more players at a time, Prescott mentor Bill Cossey didn't sub until late in the half.

The first half was basically a matter of converting baskets. Gurdon had problems, while Prescott didn't. At the break, the Wolverettes led 42-20.

Prescott came out late during the halftime intermission and took some warm up shots. Gurdon's girls didn't show up on the court until time to play.

The Wolverettes began practicing surgery early on, slicing through the Gurdon defense, dishing the ball off and scoring almost at will.

When an opportunity offered itself, Prescott's thoroughbreds were off and running.

And, as the game progressed, the Wolverettes cut down on mistakes, while forcing Gurdon into making more.

At the 1:03 mark of the third, Prescott held a commanding 63-26 lead.

The quarter ended with the Wolverettes holding a 65-27 lead.

Period four was more of the same as the Wolverettes simply dominated all combinations Gurdon put on the hardwood.

With 5:27 showing on the clock, Cossey went deep on the bench. The Wolverettes led 72- 34 at the time.

The Lady Devils were able to compete with Prescott's subs, but couldn't make it into a game.

Though Prescott only scored three points down the stretch, the bench was cleared and all players saw action which will be invaluable later on.

Stacy Stockton led all scorers with 27 points. Stockton, who played most of the game without a break and spent quite a bit of time on the floor, stepped beyond the arc for a trey as well.

Traci Graham, the team's quarterback, busted a pair of three-pointers and ended the game with 17 points. Cossey finished the game with 13, most coming from inside the arc, as she only hit one three. Jeana Haynie was the fourth Wolverette in double figures with 11.

LaVonda Young led Gurdon with 11 points, including a pair of threes.

Prescott spent quite a bit of time at the charity stripe, converting 25 of 41 shots. Gurdon connected on 12 of 23 at the line.

Stockton, Cossey and Haynie all pulled down five rebounds as well.