GIRLS-BASKETBALL
Last-second shot sinks Anacoco's Class B title hopes
LaMar Gafford
Just five seconds away.
Holding a 39-38 lead with five seconds left, it appeared Anacoco was going to get its first title since 2002 — the last of six straight from 1997-2002.
However, it was not to be as Holden sophomore Jaycee Hughes hit a game-winning layup to give the Lady Rockets a 40-39 win in the Class B championship game Saturday.
"We knew she was going to be a factor after seeing her against Hicks Wednesday," Lady Indians coach Tim Parker said. "We were hoping to keep her pushed out and not let her go to the basket."
Hughes finished with 17 points on 6-for-14 shooting to earn MVP honors.
Holden (35-1) earned its second Class B title in three years with the win.
Despite Hughes' shot, Anacoco had three more seconds to answer back, but could never get a shot up to regain the lead.
"We were trying to get someone in the middle of the lane so we can get a chance to go to the basket from there and possibly pick up a foul," Parker said.
Anacoco (35-5) had a strong game from junior guard Ashlynn Chaney, who scored 14 points on 5 of 10 shooting.
"Ashlynn was outstanding tonight," Parker said. "I told her that she was going to have a big game. She's beating herself up over free throws, but you can't do that. I told her to keep her head up. There's definitely no blame. I thought she was magical and outstanding of the way she's played within the last month."
Saturday's game was a bitter end to the great careers of seniors Korie Kreps and Annabelle Sellers, who combined for 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Although Saturday marked what could have been, it was also was a declaration that the Lady Indians will rebound from the loss.
"I took the job in August and these kids have worked so hard," Parker said. "You couldn't ask for more. I always tell the kids what I adopted from (former UCLA) coach John Wooden, 'When a man gives his best, what more can he give? He can't give any more than that.' They've done that. I've done that. That's why we will hold our heads up and we will bounce back."