.png)
BRENHAM — Bastrop’s varsity girls basketball roster earned its spot in the regional semifinals by defeating the Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos 45-37 in the area round of the playoffs Thursday, Feb. 13, at Brenham High School.
Junior forward Keyaira Limuel led the way with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while senior forward Naveah Jones contributed 12 points and 10 boards to help seal the victory.
The Bears jumped out to a fast start and built a 17-12 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Although Fort Bend Marshall quickly trimmed the deficit to 17-15, junior guard Kenadee Lee answered with a 3-pointer to extend the margin to 2015. Jones followed with two free throws to give the Lady Bears their largest lead of the game at 22-15.
However, the Buffalos responded with a 6-0 run, bringing the score within one with less than two minutes left in the half.
Bastrop finished strong with a 5-1 surge — capped by baskets from Jones and senior guard Alaysia Williams — to head into halftime up 27-22.
Turnovers, particularly traveling violations, crippled the Bears throughout the night, allowing Fort Bend Marshall to keep the game close.
The Buffalos opened the third quarter on a 7-0 run to take a twopoint lead. Bastrop then tied the game with free throws from Williams, and Jones knocked down a two-point jumper to put the Bears back on top at 31-30.
Senior guard Paytin Greene provided a timely 3-pointer soon after, and Bastrop carried a narrow 34-32 advantage into the final period.
Both teams traded baskets in a tense fourth quarter, eventually locking the score at 37-37. Limuel broke the deadlock with a layup, then added a free throw to push Bastrop ahead 4037.
In the closing moments, clutch free throws from Williams and junior guard Kenadee Lawhorn preserved the Bears’ lead and sealed the win.
Bastrop advances to face Rudder in the regional semifinals Tuesday, Feb. 18. A victory would pit the Bears against Barbers Hill, with the time, date and location yet to be determined.
