Cass scores 21, Boswell 16 in win for Bulldogs

Orient-Macksburg girls basketball led from start to finish and beat Seymour Monday, Jan. 23 on the road as part of the Bluegrass Conference Tournament.

The 48-37 win over the Warriors came with contributions from several players, head coach Dave Hartman said. It is the team’s fourth win of the season.

“We lost by 21 early in the season [to Seymour]. We had a great defensive effort this time around, so it shows how far we have come,” Hartman said.

Senior guard Christa Cass scored 21 points in the win and sank three 3-pointers. She has been playing with a broken finger but it is improving, as is her shooting, the coach said.

“We need Christa to score because most teams double team Emma Boswell,” Hartman explained. “Despite the extra attention on Emma, Emma grabbed 22 rebounds, blocked five shots, had five steals and scored 16 points.”

Junior guard Kinsey Eslinger divvied six assists and freshman Kaydence Kirkland hit a 3-pointer to punctuate the third quarter.

“There were lots of contributions. A good team win,” Hartman said. “I was very proud of the way we bounced back after a very disappointing loss on the road at Lamoni Saturday.”

The Bulldogs lost 39-34 to Lamoni Saturday, which sent them to the back side of the conference tournament bracket. Orient-Macksburg lost a 49-39 regular season game to Twin Cedars at home on Friday.

Now Orient-Macksburg plays Moulton-Udell Thursday, Jan. 26 at Mormon Trail as the losers bracket of the conference tournament continues.