By ANDREW GILL
TopSports.news
Before their 48-45 home Centennial League win Friday night over Topeka West, Matt Tinsley’s Seaman Lady Vikings had not played a basketball game in over a month due to multiple quarantine periods.
All that time away from the court forced Tinsley to get creative to help his team prepare.
“We came back and only had four days of practice before we had to go back into quarantine. We tried to do some online workouts and online video walkthroughs. We tried to be better students of the game,” Tinsley said.
But zoom calls are no substitute for being on the court together.
“Nothing is experience like game experience,” Tinsley added.
Seaman came out slow to start its second bout with Topeka West this season. The Chargers found themselves up 17-12 at the end of a back-and-forth first quarter. Not only were the Vikings short on practice time but were also without senior Riley Cowan (COVID protocol).
Tinsley’s squad came to life in the second quarter with an effort led by senior JahnAsia Anderson, who finished with a game-high 13 points and 8 rebounds.
Seaman took a 24-22 lead into halftime and the Lady Vikes looked to be in control at the end of the third quarter up 38-25, but the Chargers were able to take the game down to the wire, forcing five fourth-quarter turnovers with their relentless full-court press.
Tinsley was pleased with his girls’ ability to pull out the win despite their lack of preparation.
“We had some kids that grew up tonight and some kids that stepped up,” he said, possibly referencing freshman Brooklyn Gormley’s 12 point and 4-rebound performance. “I liked the grit that we showed. When we needed to play tough, we played tough.''.
Sophomore Lauren Sweeney sealed the victory for the Vikings, blocking a potential game-tying three pointer just before the final buzzer.
Tinsley says he hopes the win will help his team build some confidence and push them to compete at a higher level as the Vikings move deeper into the season.
Sophomore Mia Anthony was the high-scorer for Topeka West, scoring 11 total points and shooting 3 for 4 rom beyond the 3-point arc.
SEAMAN GIRLS 48, TOPEKA WEST 45
Seaman 12 12 14 10 -- 48
Topeka West 17 5 3 20 -- 45
Seaman – Kramer 2 2-3 6, Sweeney 1 0-0 2, C. Anderson 1 0-0 2, Schumann 3 1-2 7, Smith 3 0-2 6, J. Anderson 3 7-8 13, Gormley 5 2-3 12. Totals 18 12-18 48.
Topeka West – S. Triplett 1 1-2 4, Anthony 4 0-0 11, N. Triplett 2 2-4 6, Sanchez 0 2-2 2, Davis 1 0-0 2, Benson 3 0-2 8, Clark 1 2-4 5, Jones 1 0-2 2, Bearman 2 1-2 5. Totals 15 8-18 45
