Ponca exploded after retrieving the opening tip and never looked back, gaining a 62-39 win over Summerland, Friday, Feb. 24, on the Indians' home court.
The Indians opened the first quarter with 14 unanswered points until Bobcat senior Hadley Cheatum sunk a last-second basket at the end of the first quarter.
The Bobcats settled into play during quarter two, holding Ponca to nine points and held steady with them following the break.
But the Indians outscored Summerland 25-15 in the final quarter.
Head Coach Greg Appleby said, "This was a tough game against a very good Ponca team. They were very tough on us defensively with their length and tough man defense. After getting behind in the first quarter, we played them even in the second and third quarters, but were not able to sustain that run in the fourth quarter.
Adyson Mlnarik led the Bobcats in scoring, finishing the game with 13 points. Cheatum added a dozen.
Samantha Ehlers scored 19 for the Indians. Gracen Evans added another 17 points.
Appleby said he was proud of the girls' effort and "never-quit attitude."
Summerland finished 19-4 on the season and ended one game shy from the state tournament.
The Bobcats' junior varsity also had a great season, according to Appleby.
"We had great leadership from our seven seniors: Cheatum, Emily Ahlers, Harper Klabenes, Ashley Pischel, Olga Mendoza, Emma Funk and Lena Bolling. The seniors will be missed but the future looks bright with three returning starters in Mlnarik, Preslie Robertson and Lydia Robertson and a good group of underclassmen who are ready to step up and make huge contributions to the program.
Appleby credited assistant coaches, Carrie Jucera and Jim Schutt.
"Our assistant coaches do a great job and we appreciate all that they do to make the program run smoothly," Appleby said. "Thanks also to the parents and the Bobcat Nation for all of their support. It is always a great day to be a Bobcat."
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