Barton falls short in upset bid of Cloud

            The Barton County women's basketball team dropped an 81-67 decision to the defending national champion Cloud County Monday night at the Barton County Gym. The loss dropped Barton to 1-7 in the Jayhawk West and 6-16 overall. Cloud County is now 6-2 and 18-4.  

Highlights

            The game has several lead changes in the first half with Cloud County taking a 37-33 lead to halftime. Barton County came out and scored the second half's first seven points to take a 40-37 advantage but Cloud County rallied and pulled away in the final five minutes of the basketball game for the win.

            Sarah Kendrick continued her hot shooting for the Cougars, hitting 3-of-5 treys on her way to a game-high 17 points. Kendrick has now hit 7-of-9 3-pointers in her last two games. Kendrick also dished out a career-high seven assists to lead Barton. Briana Book added 13 points to the cause and Kristina Grbich tossed in 12.

            Milena Ninkovic and Miklannet Tennal combined to score 50 points for the Thunderbirds, led by Ninkovic's 26 points and 12 rebounds.

Next Up

            The Cougars now have the daunting task of facing one of the hottest teams in the country in Seward County. The Saints are 8-0 in the West and 22-0 overall this season, including an 81-40 win Saturday over previously unbeaten and No. 4 ranked Butler County. Tip is set for 6 p.m.

Stats

            Game boxes and cumulative stats can be found at the following website.

Barton County Women's Basketball at http://www.barton.cc.ks.us/sports/WB_01-02/wbasketball_01-02.htm