By Dennis Bowling
Beecher Coach Adam Keen built a very competitive team around senior Kendall Kasput. During the second half of this season, Kasput helped the Bobcats go 9-7 overall. They also were able to defeat Iroquois West and had a post season win over Reed-Custer, but they struggled against Seneca on February 13. It became apparent when the Lady Irish raced away to a 38-7 half time lead.
Kasput, a talented guard, finished with seven points, including a pair of treys, but the Lady Irish beat the Bobcats, 58-22, in the Class 2A Wilmington Regional semifinal contest in Wilmington.
Coach Keen (11-21) felt the Bobcats came together in the second half of the season and certainly were a pleasant group to hang out with, saying, “These girls are just fun to be around, and it stinks to lose.
“Kendall always plays hard at both ends of the floor,” he added. “She always brings a great deal of energy to our team, plus she hit some nice shots, too.”
“We were trying to have some fun,” Kasput remarked. “We played as hard as we could, and I’m pleased we were able to turn things around in the second half of the season. Ava (Pattenaude) is a good player and always takes good shots, while Evelyn (Jablonski) is a good shooter and rebounder.”
On the night, freshman Pattenaude had 4 steals, 5 assists, and 4 points, while sophomores Jablonski finished with a basket and 4 rebounds, and Jenna Pevion added 7 points.
“Ava was playing with confidence in the second half of the game,” said Keen. “She was looking to break their pressure defense and was even able to get some shots up, too.”
“Evelyn had a great game in the post area,” he added. “She did very well in the second half of our game and has a bright future with our program.”
Beecher’s promising returning players for next season include guards Pattenaude and Pevion, plus forwards Jablonski, Jade Howell, and Aylin Lagunas.
The Bobcats junior varsity team finished with a 7-14 overall mark. At the junior high, the seventh grade team registered an impressive 18-5 record and went to the state tournament. The eight-grade team closed the season at 4-16.
Coach Keen is hoping for an improved record next season.