Koopman hits 1,000 career points in playoff victory

The Kitty Kats played their bi-district playoff game in Kingsville against La Villa, earning an impressive 65–37 victory on Monday, Feb. 16, Sophomore standout Palyn Koopman delivered an incredible performance, scoring 35 points and surpassing 1,000 career points during the win.

La Villa jumped out to a quick 4–0 lead as the Kitty Kats struggled early with a few turnovers. However, the slow start was short-lived. Koopman got Yorktown on the board with a threepointer. A steal by Paige DeLeon led to a Koopman layup, and after being fouled, she completed the threepoint play to give Yorktown the 6–4 lead.

The Kitty Kats quickly found their rhythm. Koopman added a jumper and a fast-break layup, while DeLeon scored on a fast break to extend the lead. Claire Person contributed with a put-back basket and later forced a turnover in the press that led to another layup. By the end of the first quarter, Yorktown led 17–8.

DeLeon opened the second quarter with a free throw, but Yorktown went cold offensively for several minutes. With 5:04 remaining in the half, the offense came alive again. Gracie Stehling scored inside, followed by a basket from Koopman under the rim. Person created another turnover in the press and set up Trinity Flores for a layup. The press continued to create scoring opportunities, and the Kitty Kats went into halftime with a 33–23 lead.

The third quarter belonged to Yorktown. Stehling scored from the top of the key and added two free throws. Koopman followed with a layup and a three-pointer off an inbound play. Back-to-back steals and layups by Koopman stretched the lead, while Stehling added a low-post basket. Yorktown closed the third quarter ahead 52–24.

In the fourth quarter, Stehling continued to score inside and added two free throws. Koopman knocked down another jumper before Stehling closed out the game with a layup to seal the 65–37 victory.

The Kitty Kats will now advance to face Harper in the Area Round of the playoffs.