Cabrini storms past Bastrop

Winter storm activity had delayed the girls basketball playoffs in north Louisiana to the point No. 13 Bastrop and No. 5 Cabrini had to play Saturday in Bastrop, two days later than expected for the quarterfinals match-up.

Bastrop fell behind by as much as 15 points in the second half but kept storming back time after time before ultimately falling 68-54.

Bastrop pulled with five points on four different occasions, forcing 16 turnovers during the course of the game and making Cabrini work for every basket.

The Lady Crescents (27-5) had an answer each time.

“I just believed in my players,” Cabrini head coach Nancy Walsh said. “I knew we were a well conditioned team. Every good team will make a run at you. Our players knew what (Bastrop) was capable of.”

The experienced group from Cabrini leaned on forward Rakell Spencer late in the game and the senior did not disappoint.

Spencer scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Rayven Patin scored 11 points and Erin Temple chipped in 10 points for the Lady Crescents.

“We were not able to get our offense in rhythm like we usually do,” Walsh said. “We knew free throws would be a big part of the game and we practiced a lot of those (Friday).”

The practice paid off as the Crescents made 21-of-32 at the free throw line.

Bastrop came off a tough win on the road Thursday with only one day to prepare for Cabrini and the quick turnaround translated to sloppy defense which the Lady Crescents took advantage of – getting to the free throw line often.

“(The fouls) played a big part in it (the outcome),” Bastrop coach Emma Brooks said. “You could tell the turnaround from playing Thursday (winning at No. 4 Fair Park) and then today our defense was not where it needed to be. It was like our feet was glued to the floor. For us, our defense creates our offense. Tonight, we didn’t come out ready on defense.”

Bastrop (23-5) was led by Javia Kennedy’s 13 points. Oterica Witherspoon added 12 points. Deja Robinson and Sarah Fagan chipped in eight points for the Lady Rams.

Cabrini advances to the LHSAA Top 28 in Lake Charles next week to face No. 1 Warren Easton in the Class 4A semifinals.

Connect with Cody on Twitter @cfutrellTNS or via e-mail cfutrell@thenewsstar.com