The Yorktown Kitty Kat and Wildcat Varsity Basketball teams secured decisive victories over the Pettus Lady Eagles and Eagles on Friday night, January 10, in District 31-2A action. Both teams battled through early challenges but came out on top with dominant second halves.
In the girls’ game, Yorktown got off to a fast start, taking a 4-0 lead behind two free throws from senior Nina Villarreal and a basket from freshman Palyn Koopmann. However, Pettus answered with a 10-5 run to close the first quarter, taking a 10-9 lead into the second. The Kitty Kats regained control in the second quarter, going on an 11-point scoring streak. Koopmann contributed seven of those points, with Villarreal and senior Sydnie Krueger adding two apiece. Yorktown’s aggressive full-court press overwhelmed the Lady Eagles as the Kitty Kats outscored Pettus 20-9 to take a 29-19 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw the teams trade baskets, with Yorktown edging Pettus 12-11 for a 41-30 lead heading into the final period. The Kitty Kats turned up the pressure in the fourth, as their fast break and defense took its toll. Senior Laynie Boyd led the charge, scoring six consecutive points. Yorktown outscored Pettus 18-5 in the fourth to seal a dominant 59-35 victory. Koopmann nearly posted a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. Villarreal added 15 points, and Boyd chipped in with 10 points and four steals. Krueger contributed eight points, eight rebounds, and four steals.