Chase County girls’ basketball starts season 2-0

    The Chase County girls’ basketball season started with a bang Thursday night.
    Playing against a new head coach at Cozad, the Longhorns brought home a win and a new school record when Bryn McNair scored 37 points in the 58-34 win.
    McNair scored seven points in the first quarter, but it was Lucy Spady, then Jordan Jablonski with Chase County’s first field goals. A late free throw by Jerzee Milner gave the Longhorns a 12-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.
    McNair outscored Cozad 8-4 over the first 2:10 of the second quarter as CCS doubled up on the Haymakers, 20-10. Cozad returned the favor with a 9-2 run to pull to within three points. McNair and Cozad traded baskets as the first half wound down, but the junior added three free throws, as well, to give CCS a 29-23 halftime lead.
    The Longhorn defense put its clamps on the Haymakers in the third quarter. CCS didn’t allow a Cozad point for the first five minute of the half and only gave up four points in the quarter. Spady scored two free throws and Morgan Peterson two field goals in the quarter to go with 10 points, including a three at the buzzer, from McNair.
    Jablonski and Peterson scored the Longhorns’ first six points of the final stanza. After three points by McNair, it was Joee Clevenger who finished off CCS scoring with two baskets to end the game.
    McNair rounded out her double-double with 10 rebounds. Spady had seven rebounds and Jablonski nabbed six from her point guard position.
    CCS Head Coach Randy Longoria said when Chase County’s long range shots wouldn’t fall, the Longhorns started looking into the paint.
    CCS dominated on the offensive boards, pulling down 21 offensive rebounds on the night.
    On the other end of the court, Longoria was pleased with his team’s defensive effort and the intensity the Longhorns had.
Host McCook
    That defensive intensity remained Friday evening McCook came to town.
    “Our defense was fierce,” Longoria said.
    Once more, Spady was first on the board for CCS, knocking in a free throw. McNair scored four-straight points before Peterson tossed in a three pointer. McNair added a three of her own and the Longhorns finished the quarter with a 11-7 lead.
    After two free throws by Milner started off second quarter scoring for CCS, McNair scored Chase County’s next seven points. The Longhorns went into halftime with a  20-13 advantage.
    McNair threw in two baskets to start the second half. After a free throw by Liz Reeves and another field goal by McNair, Jablonski then McNair made three points for the Longhorns.
    With CCS leading 33-24 heading into the fourth quarter, both teams struggled from the field as the game wore on.
    Milner and McNair each made two free throws to give CCS four fourth quarter points.
    The Bison made two field goals and 1-7 free throws.
    Chase County took the win 37-29.
    The Longhorns didn’t allow a basket outside the paint in the game. Most of McCook’s baskets came from the right low block.
    McNair finished the night with 25 points and 12 rebounds.
    Jablonski had seven rebounds and Spady six boards.
Up next
    CCS will have its work cut out for it Friday at 2-1 Sidney. The Longhorns will host 0-2 Ogallala Saturday.
    Longoria said Sidney is a strong team with good size and a lot of athleticism.
    Looking at the Indians, Longoria said this Ogallala team may be down compared to its teams in the past, but he expects the Indians to come in ready to compete.