Cache Advances With 23-Point Win over Star Spencer

The top-seeded Cache Lady Bulldogs ended the Lady Bobcats’ run with a 78-55 win over Star Spencer.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 6:10 pm

By: News On 6

Cache Advances With 23-Point Win over Star Spencer

Originally Published: Mar 10, 2011 3:47 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reigning state champions, the Cache Lady Bulldogs, continue their road to the Big House after eliminating the Star Spencer Lady Bobcats 78-55 in Thursday’s quarterfinals matchup.

All five of Cache’s starters from last year’s champion squad returned this season, their sights set on another Gold Ball. Star Spencer, having survived the previous five do-or-die elimination games, was playing for not only a shot at their first state title since 2008, but also a state championship for their coach, Janith Johnson, who's ending her career after 35 years of coaching.

Cache was favored by many to win, but anyone who’s witnessed the road to a state title knows there’s always a chance for the upset. Star Spencer played scrappy, but struggled to keep up with the face pace of the Lady Bulldogs.

The first quarter was riddled with Lady Bobcat turnovers. The Lady Bulldogs took full advantage of Star Spencer’s jitters, taking a commanding lead in the first quarter after a 21-6 run. By halftime, the Lady Bulldogs lead by 19 points with a score of 43-24.

Size, speed and shooting were the keys to Cache’s first-half dominance. With Bretlin Sanders and Lindsey Carter hitting shots from the arc, Katelynn Martine driving to the basket and Honor Duvall using her size on the boards and for second chance shots, the Bobcats struggled to keep up with the Lady Bulldogs’ face pace.

Sanders finished with five 3’s for a total of 15 points, while Carter ended the game with 10. Martine chipped in six. Duvall led all scorers with 34 points.

Cache played tight defense, forcing turnovers and shutting down Star Spencer’s top scorer, Sharane Campbell. She ended the game with 32 points, while teammate Courtney Flowers finished with 10.