Fewer 3-point tries, more presence in paint for Cards
MEDICAL LAKE – The Cardinal girls basketball team sits at a perfect 7-0 as the 2023-24 season gets into its serious stage.
Considering the Cardinals have been through the changes authored from having been guided by three different coaches in as many seasons, this early success is quite satisfying for ML’s latest bench boss, Yeta Holloway.
“Every game, the bond between coach and player grows,” Holloway wrote in an email.
The schedule was light leading into the holiday break last week with Medical Lake playing just one game, a Dec. 18 win, 45-32, over 2A Shadle of the Greater Spokane League.
With Chiche Okembgo taking over as the scoring presence from Charde Luat with 17 points, the Cardinals jumped to a big first-quarter lead, 16-7, and established the margin they needed against the 0-7 Highlanders.
“We’re attempting fewer 3-point shots and taking more higher percentage shots in the paint,” Holloway said, evidenced by Okembgo’s output.
And never fear, Luat still had her points with 11.
“The key emphasis for the season is ‘finish,’ which we’re still working on,” Holloway said. “Like finishing layups, finish steals with a score, and finish defensive stops with a rebound.”
While they have already dipped their toe into league play with a Dec. 15 win over Newport, Medical Lake has a pair of games at the West Valley Holiday Tournament in Spokane.
The Cards faced GSL East Valley (1-5) Dec. 27 and then take on 2B Liberty (Spangle) with a 2-3 mark on Dec. 28 at 3:30 p.m.
The newspaper went to press before those games were played.
“I gave them four days off for the Holidays,” Holloway said. “We’re back at it for the West Valley Tournament.”
Reader Comments(0)