Defense keys Bobcat girls semifinal win

From: Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil, IA - 15 Feb 2003

FARIBAULT, Minn. - Good team defense on Oklahoma Deaf's twin shooters gave Iowa Deaf the edge as the Bobcats pulled off a mild upset to vault into the final of the Great Plains Schools for the Deaf Tournament in girls basketball Friday.

The third-seeded Bobcats upset second-seeded Oklahoma Deaf 35-27 in the semifinals to earn a shot at top-seeded and host Minnesota Deaf in Saturday's championship game.

A big key to the semifinal victory was the defensive work on Oklahoma's 3-point shooters Rebecca Greenwood and Kelsey Jones. The pair had combined for 50 points in OSD's quarterfinal win, but Iowa Deaf limited the pair to three 3-point buckets and a total of 20 points.

"This was a great team win," said Iowa Deaf coach Mike Shannon, "but that's how we've been playing all year."

Offensive, the Bobcats had a balanced attack with senior Sarah Brown, junior Katie Romey and freshman Cassandra Case each scoring eight points.

Iowa Deaf led by eight points going into the fourth quarter, pushed the margin to a dozen and never let Oklahoma get close than the final margin.

Minnesota Deaf, who advanced by beating Wisconsin Deaf in the semifinals, is "deep and athletic," said Shannon. "We're going to have to really play our game."

Iowa Deaf 7 12 8 8 - 35

Oklahoma Deaf 8 6 5 8 - 27

Iowa Deaf: Karen Ruckman 4, Jada Hart 3 (8r), Sarah Brown 8 (8r, 3a, 4bl), Cassandra Case 8 (7r), Erin Huntrods 4, Katie Romey 8 (9r).

Records: Iowa Deaf (13-5); Oklahoma Deaf (na).

© Daily Nonpareil 2003