Lady Cyclones drop Jr. Bucs

By Travis Brown
STAR STAFF

   The Lady Cyclone basketball program is slowly improving into winning form. They took another step forward Thursday night with an impressive all-around victory against the Lady Bucs of University High, 52-37, at Treadway Gym.
   With a teamwide effort, the Lady 'Clones showed overall team unity as they had eight girls post points -- with two in double figures.
   Cyclone skipper Mike Wilson was pleased with his club's performance afterward, citing good defense and solid first-quarter scoring.
   "Our offensive execution in the first half was real good," said Wilson. "We played well defensively, too."
   The first quarter was all Cyclones, more specifically the first belonged to Beth Holtsclaw. She posted 12 consecutive points in the first frame, and dominated the boards throughout the period.
   In the second quarter the Bucs could not manage much better. Although both teams were not stellar offensively, the Bucs could not buy a basket.
   In fact, the Bucs remained scoreless in the second quarter until Beth Helmbrecht hit two free throws with 50 seconds remaining in the period.
   With a comfortable halftime lead, Coach Wilson and his troops took their 17-point cushion into the third period on cruise control, as for the most part the teams would come out evenly in the second half.
   Helmbrecht posted six points in the period to close the lead by two points, but with continued defensive pressure the Cyclones were still in control.
   The fourth quarter was a shade sloppy for both teams. The scoring did improve for both squads, as transition and points off turnovers gave both teams some quick buckets in the final period.
   With seven Cyclones tickling the twine in the final period, Wilson was able to exploit a little depth and easily coast to a 15-point triumph.
   Holtsclaw and Lacy Lane paced the Cyclones with 14 points apiece, while Helmbrecht posted 16 in the loosing effort.
   For Wilson and his team, this victory is a prelude of things to come this season.
   "The whole team played well," said Wilson. "Everybody contributed, I'm happy with our play."