BY JIM MISUNAS
ROZEL – Pawnee Heights girls basketball coach Doug Ellison relaxed for a moment after the Tigers qualified for the 1A Division 2 state basketball tournament for the first time in school history.
“I can’t believe we did that,” Ellison told his wife.
The Tigers surprised No. 1 seed Wilson 39-31 Saturday with a 6-player roster that is unable to simulate game situations in practice. The Tigers extended their zone defense to contest Wilson’s perimeter shooters.
“The girls were overjoyed – there with tears and hugs, very excited girls,” Ellison said. “They understood getting to a state basketball tournament hadn’t been done. They appreciate the community support. The atmosphere Saturday was electric.”
All-league 6-foot-3 standout Olivia Hands led the Tigers with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Point guard Jocelyn Cordero-Valles contributed seven points, Abby Hands five and Callie Amspacker two.
“When Abby Hands drew three first-half fouls, our 4-11 guard Julissa Torres played great defense and kept us going,” Ellison said.
The Tigers outscored Wilson 23-14 after halftime with Olivia Hands scoring 14 points.
“We knew the team that rebounded the best would win,” Ellison said. “I absolutely knew we could win that game if they played good basketball.”
Olivia Hands averages 20 points and 12 rebounds per game.
“Olivia has meant everything to our team. She’s our leader,” Ellison said. “She knows she’s getting double teamed all night. She’s learned to find our other players.”
Another key has been the quality play from point guard Joselyn Cordero-Valles.
“Joselyn gets us organized and hit her stride late in the season,” Ellison said. “Olivia (Hands) helps us when we see pressure defense.”
With six girls, Ellison’s primary goal was to keep everyone on the court after forfeiting last year’s postseason game.
“There was a lot fundamental teaching and coaching was a goal to put everything together,” he said. “Those six girls worked hard and improved their skills. They did a good job understanding their roles. We were fortunate to stay healthy.”
After the Southern Plains Iroquois Tournament, the Tigers built a 4-game win streak with a 54-48 victory over La Crosse.
“The girls gained confidence,” he said. “We achieved a goal of earning a winning record after our league tournament.”
A 10-day layoff made Ellison nervous when the Tigers played Ransom-Western Plains.
“That’s a hard game after 10 days off, and the girls didn’t play their best basketball,” he said. “That proved the girls had matured and held themselves to a higher standard. They played their best game against Wilson.”
The Tigers (9-13) are a huge underdog against Lebo (22-0) at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Barton Community College.
Ellison has a simple goal.
“I’ve told the girls to enjoy the week and the experience,” he said. “They’ll give it all they’ve got.”
PAWNEE HEIGHTS
3—Joselyn Cordero-Valles, 5-6, 11
4—Julissa Torres, 4-11, 11
5—Abby Hands, 6-0, 9
15—Olivia Hands, 6-3, 10
22—Briseida Ibarra, 5-6, 11
23—Callie Amspacker, 5-5, 9
WEDNESDAY’S GAMES
2 p.m.— Hanover 22-0 vs. Wallace County 16-7
4 p.m.— Beloit-St. John's 19-4 vs. Hutchinson Central Christian 15-7
6 p.m.— Lebo 22-0 vs. Pawnee Heights 9-13
8 p.m.— Bucklin 18-4 vs. South Haven 18-4
