HEREFORD- The Pampa Lady Harvesters (9-21, 4-7) had some late game heroics Friday evening as they knocked off the Hereford Lady Whitefaces 53-49 at Hereford.
“It was an exciting game, with the last two minutes being super intense,” Head Coach Clint Watson said. “Big players making big time plays. Clutch free throws from Berlin (Bartlett), Briley (Daniels) and Kenna (Kotara). Good rebounding by Brooklyn (Warren), Karsyn (Brown), Preslie (Segura) and Cambree (Dyer). Great outside shooting from Emmy (Boutsamaly).
“Berlin scored eight of her game high 17 points in the fourth quarter, with six of those in the final two minutes. Hereford was shooting two free throws, they made the first and missed the second. Berlin came away with the ball and went the length of the floor. She got fouled and calmly walked to the free throw line and knocked down both shots.
“That gave us a one-point lead with roughly 20 seconds left. Our defense was flying around and preventing Hereford from scoring. Berlin was again able to get a steal and drive the length of the floor and score two more points to give us the four-point win. The last two minutes was a total team effort.”
The Lady Harvesters are still alive in the playoff hunt, being one game out from the No. 4 spot in District 4-4A.
“Hereford is a tough place to play,” Watson said. “The environment had a playoff atmosphere to it all night. To be able to go there and win is not only huge for the team, but it keeps our playoff hopes alive.”
Senior Berlin Bartlett led the team in scoring with 17 points with two threes and went 3-5 in free throws; Freshman Emmy Boutsamaly had 12 points off four threes; Senior Cambree Dyer had 10 points with two three-pointers; Senior Briley Daniels had eight points while going 4-5 in free throws; Sophomore Kenna Kotara had six points with a trey and went 3-4 in free throws.
The Lady Harvesters return to action tonight when they host Perryton. Game time is at 6 p.m.
“After having two road games last week, it’ll be nice to play at home Tuesday night,” Watson said. “It’s also gold out, so hopefully the gym will be packed. It’s another big game for us. Perryton is a good ball club. They will be ready to play. They jumped on us early the first time we played.
“They hit a few early three-pointers that gave them a lot of momentum. We slowly chipped away and were able to force some turnovers with our pressure. Our defense will have to be on point, with correct rotations and rebounding. Offensively, I’d like to see us push the ball more and get out and run in transition a little more.”
