It has been several years since the Bethel girls’ basketball team has put together a winning season. After the first two games, hopes are high for a successful season for the Bees in 2015-16.
Following a big opening win against Piqua, the Bees battled Bradford to the wire on Tuesday, and thanks to a midrange jumper by Courtney Schmidt, the Bees won their second consecutive game to open the season 30-29 over the Railroaders.
The game was back and forth all night long. Bethel was down by eight at one point, and fought back to stay in the game. Bradford led 22-18 at the half, but Mays said the girls knew they were still going to be contending at the end.
“I told the girls we took their best shot and we were still around,” Mays said. “”This game was ours and I told them it very well could come down to the final shot.”
Indeed it did, as Schmidt hit a short jumper with 15 seconds left. Bradford ended up with the last shot to win, but a missed shot was rebounded by Bethel’s Tia Koewler who tied up a Bradford player with two seconds left. Bethel had possession and escaped with the road win.
“The girls’ confidence level is up right now, and it had a lot to do with our June,” Mays said referring to the work his team did during the summer. “Our scrimmages helped us out a lot also. The kids are buying into what we are doing.”
Alaina Hawthorn led the Bees with 10 points, while Kayla Grable added eight, Schmidt and Delaney Hardert each scored four, while Morgan Crase and Koewler each added two.
“Kayla had another really good defensive game, she anticipated well and doesn’t get herself in trouble defensively” Mays said. “She sees the court a lot better this year.”
“Our defense is so quick and caused turnovers.”
Mays also notices a lower number of turnovers this season compared to last year.
“We are taking care of the ball much better this season so far,” he said. “We put a new offense in which allows us to take better care of the ball and is has made a difference.” Bethel had 11 turnovers against Piqua and only nine against Bradford. In the past, those would be halftime totals.
Bethel (2-0, 1-0 in CCC) will capitalize on the good start as they prepare for another competitive game tomorrow night, hosting Franklin Monroe.
“This start will help the kids buy in even more to the program,” Mays said. “We want to turn this program around. It also puts a bullseye on your back where teams have to take Bethel more serious than in the past.”
