By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
The Merrill girls played the early game of Friday night’s double header against Wausua West. Merrill couldn’t keep up with West as they lost by a score of 71-49.
In the first half the Bluejays kept the game within reach for the most part, until West was able to pull away for an 11 point lead to end the half. Merrill struggled to get their shots to fall and had a tough time keeping up with West’s fast pace, as head coach Joelene Weix pointed out saying, “We struggled shooting from the perimeter and any defensive rebound West was pushing the ball up the floor.”
With West leading the Bluejays 35-24, they were able to build on their lead in the second half. West had a lot of pressure on the Merrill guards all the way up the court causing Merrill to turn the ball over 24 times. “West’s back court pressure created quick point for them.” said coach Weix, continuing to say; “They did a nice job pushing the ball up the floor and putting us back on our heals.”
The Bluejays would lose by a final score of 71-49. Merrill only had two scores able to reach double digits in the game. Maddix Bonnell led the team in points with 15 on seven for 10 shooting. Bonnell also brought down six rebounds and swiped two steals in the game. Patience Pyan was the other double digit scorer with 11 points on what wasn’t her best shooting night, going four for 14. Pyan rounded out her stat line with two rebounds and one steal on the night.
The girls next game Tuesday as they continue their conference schedule, hosting Marshfield at 7:15 p.m.