U-High edges Cheney girls, 37-32

CHENEY — The University High Titans edged the Cheney Blackhawks, 37-32, in girls basketball action Tuesday, Jan. 25.

The narrow loss comes as Coach Ken Ryan has seen a turnaround in his Blackhawks girls. 

After a 2-8 start, the local girls have won three of their last six games. 

Their loss Tuesday to University was proof of improvement.  The first time they played this season, the Blackhawks lost 66-29. 

A great defensive effort was the difference.

The Cheney girls are playing a tough 2-3 zone defense, forcing opponents to take many tough 3-point shots. The Blackhawks have improved rebounding and have a more consistent offensive attack.

In the game, the Blackhawks fell behind 12-5 after one quarter, but they tied the game at 13 with 3:44 left in the half.

The third quarter was Cheney’s best as they outscored U-High, 13-7.  They took a 28-25 lead on

baskets by Tatum Sloan and Melissa Larson. 

U-High tied it 28 with a shot  at the end of the period.

It was anyone’s game in the fourth quarter. 

The Titans took a 34-30 lead with 2 minutes remaining. Then Larson narrowed the lead to 2 at

the 1:05 mark. 

But Cheney didn’t score again and U-High sealed it with clutch free throws, winning by the 5-point margin. 

Katie Christensen led University with 15 points and the Blackhawks were paced by Sloan’s

10 points and Evans added 7.

The girls played an away game at Ferris on Friday, Jan. 28.