The Creston Panthers secured a decisive 55-22 victory against the Murray Mustangs in a non-conference girls basketball game on March 20, 2023. The match, held at Creston, showcased the Panthers’ aggressive game strategy, particularly their effective fast breaks and defensive traps.
Creston’s success stemmed largely from their 1-3-1 trapping defense, led by senior guard Kadley Bailey. The defense caused numerous turnovers, allowing the Panthers to capitalize on transition opportunities. Head coach Tony Neubauer noted the importance of the game as a platform for improvement, especially with two conference road games approaching.
“The game was a good way to work on our strategies and play basketball,” Neubauer stated. “We thought we could win, but it also gave us a chance to keep getting better. I was pleased with our defensive efforts, which disrupted their offensive rhythm.”
Kadley Bailey was a standout performer, scoring a total of 25 points, significantly contributing to Creston’s commanding 32-9 halftime lead. She opened the game with a three-pointer, setting the tone for the Panthers’ offensive onslaught. The team’s fast pace was evident as they executed effective fast breaks, with Hollynn Rieck facilitating many of these plays through her steals and defensive rebounds. Rieck not only provided six assists but also showcased her ability to read the game, a quality Coach Neubauer praised.
Despite the loss, Murray’s head coach Chris Robins recognized the value of facing tough competition. “If we come to play our game, I don’t think it would have been quite like that,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for her team to improve their defensive transitions.
Murray struggled offensively, with a scoring drought that lasted until late in the first half. The Mustangs did not score until Maliya Berry broke the silence with a basket, but by that time, the deficit had already ballooned to 30-9. Robins pointed out that her team’s lethargic play was a factor in their inability to keep pace with Creston.
Both coaches expressed their intent to continue the matchup in future seasons, recognizing mutual benefits despite the final score. Neubauer acknowledged Murray’s competitive history, stating, “In their conference, they will be a decent team for sure. They will probably win 13 or 14 games, and that helps us as we prepare for our regional pairings.”
Looking ahead, the Panthers faced a significant challenge just two days after their victory, falling 75-34 to the top-ranked St. Albert in Class 1A. Despite the loss, Bailey achieved a milestone by becoming the first player in the program’s history to record 200 career steals.
Meanwhile, the Murray Mustangs experienced a narrow defeat against Diagonal, losing 37-35 in a closely contested game. Keirsten Klein led Murray with 13 points, while Ashlynn Allee, Claire Grace, and Halle White each contributed eight points for Diagonal.
As both teams continue their seasons, the lessons learned from this match will be crucial in their pursuit of success in upcoming games. The Panthers’ next game is set for March 24, 2023, against Atlantic, with the boys’ varsity game scheduled for 18:00 followed by the girls’ game at 19:30.
