2A GIRLS: Lincoln County loses defensive battle

RENO — Lincoln County’s girls basketball team used defense as its calling card in reaching the Class 2A state tournament.

The Lynx, however, weren’t equipped to overcome lengthy offensive droughts.

Lincoln County couldn’t bounce back from a nightmare third quarter Friday, falling in a 34-28 loss to White Pine in a 2A state semifinal at North Valleys High.

“I felt like our offense was off all night long, and I didn’t know what to do or what arrangement to put in to fix it,” Lincoln County coach Lori Cheeney said. “Thank goodness our defense was tough and kept them from scoring too many.”

White Pine (16-11) overcame 32 turnovers to advance to the 2A state title game against Pershing County (29-1) at 6 p.m. Saturday at UNR’s Lawlor Events Center.

The Lynx (24-5) pulled within 20-16 early in the third quarter, but the Bobcats jumped to an 8-0 run, capped by Haidn Windous’ jumper from the left wing that put White Pine on top 28-16 late in the third.

Lincoln County, which finished 10-for-57 from the floor, was held scoreless for more than four minutes in the middle of the third quarter.

The Lynx pulled within 32-28 on a pair of free throws by Lacee Babcock with 3:24 remaining, but couldn’t get any closer.

“I don’t know that I have the words to express how proud I am of the girls and the effort they put out tonight,” Cheeney said. “Our defense got a few steals and we were able to score off turnovers real quick at the end. We just couldn’t get it all the way back.”

Babcock, a senior forward, led Lincoln County with eight points, 10 rebounds and four steals.

“(Babcock) plays 110 percent every time she steps foot on the floor,” Cheeney said. “She’s had to go from being a guard to playing a post position, and many times in the same game she switches back and forth.”

Leti Escobedo added eight points and five steals for the Lynx.

Bailey Moore led White Pine with 10 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks. Marci Medlyn supplied 10 points, 10 rebounds and three steals for the Bobcats.

Pershing County 72, Mountain View 24 — Claudia Dennler scored 20 points to help the Mustangs cruise past the Saints (16-13).

Sarita Jo Condie added 14 points for Pershing County, which led 48-4 at halftime.

Briana Marruffo scored nine points for Mountain View, which was making its first state tournament appearance since rising to Class 2A in 2008-09.