HOEHNE, LA VETA– The seventh-ranked La Veta Redskins had a three-game weekend, defeating all opponents including the Hoehne Farmers, 42-40. The Farmers were fresh from a win against the ninth-ranked Rocky Ford Meloneers last weekend, 51-45. In the end, solid defense and two clutch free throws with four seconds remaining sealed the victory for the Redskins.
La Veta trailed for most of the game until the final ten seconds when they tied the game at forty. An inbound steal and pass to a driving Christina Koutnik gave the Skins one last shot. Koutnik was fouled and went to the line, sinking both to give La Veta their first lead of the game. With four seconds remaining, the Skins were able to defend the ball, ending the Farmers’ hopes of another upset.
The following night, the Skins played before a hometown crowd against the Farmers of Sargent, prevailing 39-27. Coming into the game, La Veta and Sargent were the only two teams with conference victories. La Veta still retained sole possession of first place. Sargent entered league play riding a four-game losing streak, but they had found a way to get hot, winning their last two league encounters.
Leading scorer for the Redskins was Sami Willhoite with 16. Sami was equally tough on defense as she was credited with ten steals. Koutnik was tough on the boards with 8 rebounds while Jacey Day and Cara Campbell each had 7.
The Lady Skins completed their trifecta Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Custer County Cougars, 37-11, in a low scoring game. Coach Smith did a good job of rotating his players, offering rest to the overworked team.
This may be one of the best teams La Veta has developed. Although they have not gained the statewide attention reserved for the perennially ranked teams like Merino, Kiowa and others in the 2A ranks, the Redskins have played solid basketball. The Skins have top one-two punches with the likes of Shelby Morgan who averages 19.9 per game and Willhoite who averages 14.0. The two combine for nearly half the team’s points and are the top two scorers in the league.
La Veta posts a 9-1 record. Their only loss was to Kim (#1 in 1A) in the semifinals of the Hoehne Tournament. That record includes a one-point win over 3A Centauri and three straight in the Southern Peaks league. All three of their conference wins were by at least 25 points, so they may be playing their best basketball of the season. The Redskins will travel to Sanford tomorrow for more league action.
