A loss to Tuttle early last week, 55-33, and then a loss to Weatherford Friday night, 66-51, left the Newcastle Lady Racers at 9-9 on the year.
In the Tuttle game, the Lady Racers were outmatched and got outplayed, according to Head Coach Nichole Copeland.
“We continue to get off to slow starts, not coming out ready to play,” she said. “We were flustered all night long, both coaches and players. We just did not have it tonight in any way and we have to be better from top to bottom.”
Tuttle had 24 first period points and then added 11 in the second period. The Lady Racers came out sluggish making only 9 first period points and none in the second.
Newcastle picked it up, however, by outscoring Tuttle in the third and fourth periods, 11-9 and 13-11.
Copeland said, “The slow start killed us, and then not scoring in the second quarter did us in.
“We made some defensive adjustments in the second half and we actually won the second half, 24-20, but the awful first half was not up to our standards or expectations as a team and ultimately is what did us in.”
Reagan Greenroyd had 12 points to lead the Lady Racers, while Ava Snider had 11. Bella Allen had 4 points and both Leah Bradley and Amber Ellis had 3.
“We have to learn from our mistakes of the last couple games, grow, and correct them,” Copeland said. “We have to be sharp in our communication and focus and be able to handle what they’re going to throw at us.”
Copeland expected a tough game against Weatherford, saying they have a full court pressure that is relentless for 32 minutes, but she looks at every game as an opportunity to compete.
After the win, Weatherford extended its record to 14-4 overall and 10-2 against Class 4A teams. The girls played against Clinton on Tuesday this week, and are scheduled to play Elk City on Friday.
