Tigers start league play strong

Depth can be critical for success in high school hoops.

Douglas High School girls basketball showed they have plenty of it Tuesday night in a 57-28 win over McQueen.

The Tigers rotated 12 different players in and out of the lineup, nine of which ended up on the final score sheet.

It’ll be a luxury that Douglas will be able to use to its advantage all season in Class 4A North league play where they are now 1-0.

“We’ve played all together since second grade, we know we can count on each other,” said senior captain Logan Karwoski.

Leading the way Tuesday night were seniors Aleeah Weaver and Zora Simpson, who put up 13 and 11 points, respectively.

“Our team chemistry is very good and connected,” said fellow captain Sky Rasmussen. “That makes our bench very deep and we can throw in anybody.”

Around the floor

Douglas jumped out to an 11-3 lead and pushed that lead into double digits early in the second quarter, 21-7.

By that point, the Tigers had assists from five different players on six baskets.

The Lancers’ lone run of the game cut the gap to 24-18, but Douglas rallied with the last five points of the half.

Weaver scored the final bucket of the second quarter on a quick move to the rim, following a stutter-step and was rewarded with an extra free throw after finishing through a foul.

The Tigers opened up the lead significantly in the third quarter, outscoring McQueen, 16-4.

Mckenzie Main opened the second half with a triple from the wing, getting an assist from Rasmussen.

After Talia Tretton swatted a shot on the defensive end, Douglas was able to build into another and-one opportunity on the other end of the floor from Ashlyn Greenfield.

A couple possessions later, Greenfield swiped a steal, which allowed Weaver to run the floor for an up-and-under layup.

Weaver and Hailee Koontz combined for a picturesque give-and-go after an Ella Girdner steal that resulted in another Weaver layup.

Weaver returned the favor on the Tigers’ next possession, tossing an assist to Girdner for a layup of her own to end the third quarter.

With a 45-22 lead after three, the Tigers only extended their lead before reaching the 57-28 final.

“It’s a dream of every coach to have the next five (players) step on the floor and you’re not missing a beat, that is something special,” said Douglas head coach Jason Carter. “We’re seeing the fruits of all the dedication and hard work.”

Main ended the evening with eight points for Douglas, while Koontz had seven.

Greenfield had five points of her own while Madison Frisby and Girdner had four.

UP NEXT: Douglas will get tested here in the opening week of the season.

Starting Thursday, the Tigers will hit the road to play Fallon (0-0), North Valleys (2-0) and Fernley (4-0) over three straight days.

The Panthers bested McQueen, 65-18, this past Saturday.

The Vaqueros of Fernley have four double-digit wins to start the season, coming against two Class 5A South programs and two 4A South programs.

For more on the Douglas High girls team this season, check out the team's season outlook here.

(Douglas High junior Ashlyn Greenfield cuts toward the hoop Tuesday night, during the Tigers’ 57-28 win over McQueen. / Ron Harpin)