Girls look forward to home games

KENNEWICK – Five words summed up Cheney girls basketball Coach Meredith Richards’ thoughts on her Blackhawks loss in their final non-league game.

“Southridge, man what a heartbreaker,” she said following Cheney’s 40-33 setback at Southridge of Kennewick on Dec. 29. A paltry point production in the second quarter where Cheney (3-7) was outscored 10-5 was a big difference for the Suns (4-6) of the Mid-Columbia Conference.

“Only scoring 5 points in the second quarter definitely hurt us, going into halftime down by 17-21,” Richards said.

She praised her team saying, “We did things right, we played great defense and caused numerous shot clock violations, we handled the ball well, even when pressured with a full court press.”

Macey Richards had 14 points and Kiah Klauss 10 before fouling out. Klaus’s exit “Was definitely a loss we felt at the end of the game,” Richards said.

All are learning lessons heading into the 5:30 p.m. Greater Spokane League season-opener Jan. 4 vs. Ferris (4-4) at home – a relatively unfamiliar place considering the Blackhawks have played only three times so far in their own gym.

“We are undefeated this year (2024) and we need a reset after some tough losses, and to start with a clean slate, ready to attack every game like it is the most important game of our season,” Richards said.