A close game would be expected between two rival teams that are both ranked in the Class 3A Coaches and Media state-wide poll. Saturday’s matchup between No. 2 Lyman and No. 5 Mountain View lived up to that billing.
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LYMAN — A close game would be expected between two rival teams that are both ranked in the Class 3A Coaches and Media state-wide poll.
Saturday’s matchup between No. 2 Lyman and No. 5 Mountain View lived up to that billing.
And that was a good thing for all parties involved.
“We need to play in all of the close games as we can,” Lyman head coach Jason Hansen said after the Lady Eagles held off Mountain View for a 37-34 conference win. “I think it will make us better down the stretch.”
The game came down to a defensive battle, with the Lady Buffalos (5-3) leading for the first three quarters. But undefeated Lyman (8-0) and star junior McKinley Bradshaw came alive at the end, outscoring Mountain View 13-7 in the final period to earn the victory.
“There’s a few things we need to clean up, but when you play a tight game like that you can see what you need to work on for the next week,” Hansen said.
Bradshaw poured in a game-high 21 points — seven in the final period — and pull down eight rebounds as Lyman improved to 8-0 on the year. Bradshaw helped seal the game after going 5 of 6 from the free-throw line in the final two minutes.
“She made some big shots for us down the stretch,” Hansen said. “We were just out of sync all night on offense. Mountain View did a good job on defense.”
The Lady Eagles finished 14 of 20 from the charity stripe while Mountain View was 5 of 10.
“They ended up taking over in the last four minutes,” Mountain View coach Jessica Morretti said. “It’s a rivalry game, so there’s a lot of nerves for everybody going into it. There’s a lot of emotion that goes into it.”
McKailey Bradshaw finished with seven points and 11 rebounds in her first game of the season after suffering a knee injury to help lead Lyman.
“She had a great game, especially for not playing for such a long period,” Hansen said. “She really helped us on the boards, and defensively she was really tough in there.”
Lyndee Hereford led the Lady Buffalos with nine points. Baylee Tims and Ailee Bugas both finished with seven.
Mountain View had a 10-7 lead after the first quarter and went into the lockeroom at halftime with a 19-17 advantage. The Lady Buffalos remained in control and entered the final period with a 27-24 edge.
That’s when the Eagles made their run.
Mountain View is holding its own this season after graduating four players from last year’s team that played in the third-place game at the state tournament. The Lady Buffalos have lost to Evanston and Green River, both 4A schools, and now Lyman.
“Overall, I’m confident,” Moretti said. “It’s going to be a great season. I have a great group of girls. They work hard and they give you everything they can at all costs. We’re going to be fine this season.”
