Junior varsity Wildcats finish third in Rankin

RANKIN - The Grady junior varsity competed in the Rankin Tournament this past weekend. The Lady Cats were able to play four competitive games in two days the finish third overall.

The Lady Cats started the tournament with a win, beating Buena Vista 18-12.

“We struggled a little offensively, but our defense played well,” said Grady coach Jym Dennis.

In the second game the Lady Cats played Wink Jv. It was a game that was close throughout and had several lead changes. In the end, Grady lost 28-26.

“We had our opportunities but we could not get the shots to fall,” stated Dennis

The third game the Lady Cats faced off with the host team Rankin. The Red Devils jump on Grady early and take a double digit lead. By halftime Grady trailed 26-17.

The Lady Cats would chip away at the lead in the 3rd and 4th quarters and eventually tie the contest with 1:30 left in the game.

A late foul allowed Rankin to secure a 38-37 victory.

In the 3rd place game the Lady Cats took on Iraan.

Grady started the game on a 9-2 run and never looked back. The Lady Cats would defeat the Iraan 32-17.

“I am proud of the effort these girls put forth. They played hard and competed to the end,” said Dennis. “We lost two games by a combined three points, so we had our chances. The girls got better this weekend and continuing to learn. “

Kenley Ivy was named to the All-Tournament Team.