The California Middle School seventh grade girls basketball team wrapped up the 2013 season with a 23-19 win at Sedalia Jan. 28, followed by a 33-19 loss to an undefeated Osage at home Jan. 30, to end the season 11-3.
"At Sedalia, we won against a tough team," California Coach Bryan Lawson said. "They were pretty big and had some quickness. Our girls played well and came away with the win."
Grace Henley led California with eight points, followed by Gracie George with five. Quinn Albertson chipped in with four points, and Jackie Hibdon, Megan Witt and Kaitlyn Turner each contributed two.
"We were out-sized quite a bit in the Osage game," Lawson said following the loss. "I was really proud of the girls as they battled the entire game. Osage went on a run late in the game."Â
George led the Lady Pintos with eight points. Henley followed with three. Megan Bailey, Albertson and Cheyanne Harper each had two points, and Cora Kuykendall scored a free throw.Â
"I'm really proud of the girls and how far they have come this season," Lawson said. "For most of them, it started back in June when we had a basketball camp at the school and a weekend at Bolivar for a team camp. Over the course of time, we've worked on learning the game and a lot of fundamentals. These girls are hard workers and they are motivated and disciplined. They're a fun bunch and the future looks pretty bright with this group of girls. They aren't afraid to work hard and get after it, and that's what I loved most about this season." Â Â