Lady Bucks pick up huge playoff boost with 43-38 win at Northwest
By Bees O’Brien
SHICKSHINNY-Bucktail Lady Bucks head basketball coach Suellen Wagner couldn’t have been more proud of her team following their tough 43-38 upset road win over defending Mid Penn Conference champions and state playoff qualifiers Northwest.
Bucktail’s strong second half surge would power them past a strong Northwest team on Wednesday night.
“They played like a team. Transitioned different defenses throughout the game.” Wagner said following the win. “We made some adjustments at the half and came out swinging.”
Swing away they did. Bucktail trailed at the break 24-17, but would turn things up in a hurry on the Lady Rangers in the third quarter. A 10-8 third quarter Lady Bucks’ advantage was followed by a huge 16-6 final quarter that would prove to be the difference.
Mak Wagner led Bucktail with 20 points. Matti Mason scored 7 points. Kendall Wagner added 6 points. Alexis Lowery and Eva Sockman both chipped in 4 points and Lola English added 2 points.
Bucktail, now 7-6 currently sit at the coveted fourth place spot in the current D4 1A standings. The top four teams will have the luxury of hosting a quarterfinal game in February’s playoff tournament. The win over the 2A Lady Rangers will more than likely give them a boost.
The Lady Bucks ultimate target goal will be waltzing into Farwell on Thursday evening. Defending district champions and the current top ranked team, Meadowbrook Christian will make the trip to Bucktail for a meeting between the two. The Lady Lions eliminated Bucktail last season in the quarterfinals.
