The West Prairie/Southeastern Cyclones suffered their first two defeats of the season in the opening round of the Lady Hornet Classic Saturday.
In game one, Liberty jumped out to a 21-10 first quarter lead and never looked back as the Eagles went on to hand WP/SE its first loss by a 70-36 score.
Liberty would extend its advantage to 39-22 at halftime and the Eagles’ defense took over by limiting the Cyclones to just 14 second half points to secure the victory.
Sophomore Payton McGrew and junior center Kara Stephens led WP/SE with eight points apiece.
Madelynn Sullivan and Alivia Barkley added six points each, followed by Madison McClure with three. Maicyn Shipman and Ashlynn Kelley chipped in two points each, while Josie Hodges added a free throw.
Claire Obert led Liberty with 22 points while Weslee John added 11.
Liberty improved to 2-0 with the win while WP/SE fell to 2-1.
Game two for the Cyclones saw West Hancock take a 45-14 halftime lead and the Titans would cruise to a 62-23 victory over WP/SE and drop the Cyclones to 2-2.
The Cyclones were held to just three second half field goals and led by Stephens’ eight points.
Barclay added seven points, followed by Sullivan with five, McGrew with two and Shipman with one.
Grace Grothaus and Jadyn Climer led West Hancock with 16 points each while Maci Haas finished with 14 for the Titans who improved to 2-0 for the season.
“Four games this week, I think, started to take its toll,” said WP/SE head coach Grant Bland. “I loved our fight early in both games, but we just couldn’t keep up. It showed us things that we need to get better at.”
“I still think we’re way ahead of where we were a year ago,” Bland added.
West Prairie/Southeastern returns to action Tuesday against Mendon Unity. The Cyclones ill wrap up pool play Friday against Rushville-Industry.
The 10-team tournament wraps up Nov. 29 with five crossover contests.
