UPPER LAKE — Every team has to eventually take that step up into competitive mode and the Upper Lake Cougars might be there after turning back perennial North Central League II powerhouse Rincon Valley Christian 40-34 in the league opener for both teams Tuesday night in Upper Lake.
Upper Lake (1-0 league, 6-2 overall) demonstrated many of the traits successful teams are known for, including:
— Getting a big game from someone other than your star player when said star has an off night.
— Making clutch free throws down the stretch.
— Winning on your home floor, especially in league play.
On a night when Kat Edmonds, the Cougars” top scorer on the season, was held to just six points, Amber McQueen stepped up with 17 to power Upper Lake.
“She hit four baskets, 15-footers, in the second quarter that were huge for us,” Upper Lake coach Mike Smith said of a 13-5 second period that gave the Cougars a 20-18 halftime lead. “Offensively she really sparked us ? she”s just been playing great the whole year.”
After an 11-11 third quarter left the Cougars” lead at two entering the final period, Upper Lake went 7-for-11 at the free-throw line down the stretch to preserve its lead. Freshman LaShaye Taylor sank two pressure-packed free throws in the late going that were crucial, according to Smith.
“She did great,” Smith said. “She was 3-for-4 from the line (in the fourth quarter).”
Between players returning from injury and one call-up from the junior varsity squad, Smith had a roster of 10 players.
“That was nice,” he said. “I haven”t had that this season.”
Kelsey Pearl had seven points for the Cougars, who are off until Dec. 28 when they play Urban of San Francisco in the opening round of the Rincon Valley Christian Tournament. Tip-off is 12:30 p.m.
Rincon Valley Christ-ian won 37-28 in the JV game on Tuesday. Skylar Orozco”s 12 points paced the Cougars.
Boys” basketball
Rincon Valley 62, Upper Lake 43
At Upper Lake, Rincon Valley beat Upper Lake in the NCL II opener for both of these varsity boys” teams.
Scoring and details were not reported to the Record-Bee.
