Lady Bearcats finish season with loss to Harrisburg

By Kris Childs

The Cairo Lady Bearcats failed in their attempt to extend their season last Wednesday against the Harrisburg Bulldogs in Class 1 state sectionals. Cairo had their work cut out for them facing state ranked Harrisburg who hasn’t lost yet this season.

In the first quarter despite high pressure defense by Harrisburg, Cairo managed to keep it close. In the final seconds of the quarter Cairo’s Courtney Cooley drained a three pointer to send them into the second half down only one at 11-10.

Harrisburg turned up the heat in the second quarter lighting up the scoreboard holding Cairo scoreless for the first three and a half minutes. Harrisburg outscored Cairo 13-3 in the second quarter bringing the halftime score to 23-14.

Cairo couldn’t find the bucket again in the third being held to just four points while Harrisburg increased their lead to 35-18.

The Lady Bearcats never gave up and it showed in the fourth quarter as they scored the most points of the night in the final 8 minutes of the game (14). But Cairo was matched shot for shot by Harrisburg and was unable to draw the lead any closer. Harrisburg went on to win 49-32.

Leading scorers for Cairo were Daris King with 16, Courtney Cooley with 11, and Hannah Wehar with 5.

Cairo finishes their season with a district championship and a record of 19-9 overall.