Before Friday night the Spur Spurettes had won 12 games in a row at home, and during a twisty-turny rollercoaster of a game with the lead changing every quarter that ended in a overtime-forcing tie, it looked like the #20 in the state Spur varsity girls basketball team just might upset the #11 in the state Jayton Lady Jays. But number 13 was not in the cards.
If you went to Friday night’s game, you’re probably just now catching your breath. Here’s how Spurettes head basketball Coach David Castellon described it.
“The atmosphere at Friday’s girls game was second to none,” he said. “I told the girls before the game, it’s going to be loud and fun! A game they will remember being a part of.”
Castellon also described the Spurettes’ participation in a ‘Big Sister/Little Sister’ program this year. “They were able to run out with their ‘littles,’ something I hope the little girls will remember until they turn into the big sisters.”
Jayton came into Spur Friday with sole possession of first place in District 5-1A. The only blemish on Spur’s district record was a loss to Jayton and the Spurettes were ready to own their court in their house. They jumped out to a first quarter lead of 11 to 9.
But then the Lady Jays circled their defensive wagons with key steals and blocks by Alana Croft and Hannah Blankenship and outscored Spur 7 to 3 in the second quarter to take a 16–14 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Castellon must have rallied the troops at halftime, because the Spurettes outscored the Lady Jays 18 to 13 in the third and faced the final quarter with 32–29 lead.
The fourth quarter was a blur of three-pointers, blocks, steals and hurry-up offense and defense for both teams, with both sidelines on their feet.
But when the final buzzer sounded, the game ended in a 39-39 tie, and then overtime was upon the two squads.
The Lady Jays prevailed 45–43 in overtime.
“Hats off to Jayton. They are well coached and play hard,” said Castellon. “We knew it would be a battle between two great teams. I’m so proud of our girls — the heart and effort they showed all night was great.”
Jayton’s bi-district playoff game is set for Monday, Feb. 14 at Lubbock Roosevelt versus Crosbyton at 6:00 p.m.
According to Lady Jays head coach Jason Blankenship, “I think there is an excitement in the air about moving forward into the next season of basketball. We've got a great bunch of girls, and this has been a great journey so far...excited to see what the playoffs have in store for us.”
Castellon said, “We are excited for the opportunity to be in the playoffs again. We will either play O'Donnell or Petersburg — they are tied at 6-3 right now in district. If they both win Tuesday night, they will play a seeding game either Thursday or Friday. So, we aren't sure when, where, or who we will play yet.”
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