MOORE — After a couple of disappointing losses in the first two rounds of the 24th Annual Lady Jags Classic, Westmoore needed a win. It didn’t want to go winless in their own tournament at their house.
Playing against a rival, the Jaguars got that win. They defeated the Norman High 43-40 Saturday in the 7th place game.
“We executed our game plan and took care of the basketball,” coach Andrea Guziec said. “We had more than just one or two people step up that game and this is important for our team.”
The Tigers took an early lead in the first half behind Bethany Cox and Albany Anderson. They led 24-22 at halftime and the Jags looked like they were on their way to a seventh consecutive defeat.
However, Westmoore held Norman to 16 points in the second half and held on down the stretch.
Cox led the Tigers with 11 points and Anderson added 7.
Callie Palmer racked up 11 points for the Jaguars. Kaci Richardson chipped in with 8.
“We had four people with more than six rebounds and we had four people scoring more than seven, with several others contributing defensively and with other non-statable things,” Guziec said. “Ashley Gomez was named to the all tournament team I believe because she was the most consistent player for us on both ends of the floor. Callie Palmer also had a very good overall tournament. Victoria Gonzalez, Kaci Richardson, Megan Roberts, and Sydney Chastain were key players in our win over Norman on Saturday.”
The win ended three days in which Westmoore saw itself lose 51-37 to Putnam City North in the opening round and 58-27 to Eisenhower in the consolation bracket.
Yet. Guziec liked how her team played overall.
“I was pleased overall with our effort and heart but we have got to take better care of the basketball, which we did on Saturday and that resulted in a win,” Guziec said. “We are getting better every day and if we continue to work hard, this trend will continue as well.”
Westmoore was back on the court Tuesday when it took Moore. It will host Edmond Memorial Friday and face the Tigers again Jan. 22 at NHS.
