Post Photo by Chris Siers Kaegan Young brings the ball across half-court and sets up the Lady Champion offense. She scored 22 points to lead all scorers in Cascade’s win over Santa Fe.
By Chris Siers
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
BELL BUCKLE — Lady Champion coach Janie Demonbreum has known for a while her squad has put in the work in the weight room and in the gym in the offseason.
Those long hours are paying dividends as Cascade got a combined 43 points from Sophie Ray and Kaegan Young in the Lady Champs’ 52-26 win over Santa Fe on Monday night.
It’s been an area of growth across the board for Cascade, who was disruptive on the defensive end of the court and showcased its strength in the paint.
“When you look at the growth we’ve made, we’re becoming more patient offensively. We’re still looking for those great shots. That’s important because we’re going to have to take great shots in a pressured moment down the road,” Demonbreum said.
Taking those “great” shots came in clusters for Cascade as Ray and Young had their way with the Lady Wildcats throughout the game.
Cascade dominated on a 10-0 run to start the game throughout the first quarter, with Ray dropping five points in the opening quarter before Young drilled a trey to put Cascade on top 10-0 by the end of the period.
Ray took over the game in the second quarter and scored 12 of her total 21 points in the game, while Young made good on two more triples.
By halftime, Cascade’s lead stretched to 18 points.
“Sophie and Kaegan have the ability to score 20 against anybody. They’re going to get their shots and will both key for us down the road,” Demonbreum said.
After Santa Fe rallied for 12 in the second quarter, Cascade limited the Lady Wildcats to single digits in each of the final two quarters to preserve the 26 point win.
In total, Young led all scorers with 22 points, while Ray chipped in 21.
As a team, Cascade connected on three triples, with all three coming courtesy of Young.
“Defensively, we’re getting more aggressive, going after the rebounds and we’re not as timid. We’re just continuing to build the strength, build the confidence and build our basketball knowledge,” Demonbreum said.
Santa Fe 0 12 8 6 — 26
Cascade 10 20 9 13 — 52
Santa Fe: Chaslyn Stewart 7, Lily Dodge 6, Kendall Massey 5, Nora Kade Butt 5, Emma Heldebrandt 2, Aniston Slaughter.
Cascade: Kaegan Young 22, Sophie Ray 21, Kara Brooke Adams 2, Kali Pittman 2, Anna Clanton 2, Sarah Floyd.
3-Point goals: Santa Fe (5): Stewart 2, Dodge 2, Massey; Cascade (3): Young 3.
Halftime score: Cascade 30, Santa Fe 12.
