Opposing centers, 5-10 Senior Tianna Christensen, Little Wound and Stevie Lone Dog, 6-0 Senior, Todd County.

Lady Mustangs break 30-year drought
By James Giago Davies
Native Sun News Correspondent

RAPID CITY— Despite being out-rebounded and out-converted at the line, Little Wound used the oldest strategy in the books; they outshot Todd County 65% to 34% from the field, defeating the defending champs 62-50, to win their first girls Lakota Nation Invitational title since 1984.

“It’s been a long road for us,” Lady Mustangs Coach Lyle LeBeau, Jr. said after the victory. “But this year they came in here knowing they could play with teams.”

What makes the victory most rewarding for LeBeau?—“The smile on their faces, the tears of joy, that’s it right there.”

LeBeau felt the difference in the game was his bench: “Every one of them was in (the game).”

Todd County took an early 8-4 lead, and LeBeau called a time out with 10:36 left in the half. The lady Mustangs came back out and scored the next 6 points, including a big 3-pointer by Janay Jumping Eagle. Cammi Killer Bear then went to the line and put Little Wound up 17-12. Stevie Lone Dog, Todd County’s outstanding 6-0 senior center then brought her team back to trail 17-15, before Jumping Eagle canned another 3-pointer, and it was 20-15, little Wound, with 3:38 remaining in the half.

Todd County had no plans to fold up the tent, and 5-2 freshman Doris White Hat was left wide open at the top of the key and canned a three, which brought the Lady falcons within a bucket at the half, 23-21.

Read the rest of the story on the all new Native Sun News website: Lady Mustangs break 30-year drought

(James Giago Davies can be reached at skindiesel@msn.com)

Copyright permission Native Sun News

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