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Nook Canyon head coach Craig Morris thought it was going to be a superb evening when he noticed his group’s power as they took the ground Tuesday. He was proper, as No. 15 Nook Canyon decisively defeated No. 18 Hunter within the first spherical of the 6A ladies basketball state event, selecting up a 67-33 victory and increasing its season to not less than Thursday.
The important thing to the Charger’s excessive power: junior Clara Hazar’s pregame speech. Earlier than the competition started, Morris determined he’d depart the pregame speech to Hazer; it labored like a allure.
“I mentioned, ‘Clara, tonight the pregame speech is on you,’” Morris mentioned. “After which they got here out sprinting, excessive power. … I’ll let Clara do the pregame speeches from right here on out.”
Morris’ squad used the momentum from Hazer, leaping out to a 14 level lead after one quarter of play. Nook Canyon solely trailed as soon as all sport lengthy — a 2-3 deficit that was rapidly overcome because the Chargers took management of the sport early and coasted to victory.
“That was so enjoyable,” Morris mentioned of his group’s postseason win. “The women performed actually onerous. That’s an excellent final house sport for our seniors.”
The loss was not so enjoyable for a Hunter group whose confidence was operating excessive getting into the postseason, having gained seven of its final eight common season video games.
Nook Canyon had been a lot much less lucky, dropping eight consecutive contests in Area 4 earlier than it took down Nice Grove final Friday. The Chargers realized from their earlier struggles, making issues look simple Tuesday evening.
“We’re battle examined,” Morris mentioned. “We’ve been in opposition to among the greatest groups within the state. No. 1 seed, No. 3 seed, No. 7 seed, they’re in our area. We performed them shut a pair occasions. Clearly, you’d wish to win a few of these, or all of them. However we battled onerous and bought higher alongside the best way. Going by that area helps you prepare for state.”
Nook Canyon was led by freshman guard Taylor Workman, who ended the evening with a game-high 14 factors unfold throughout the primary three quarters. Charger senior Natalie Newton introduced issues house within the fourth, scoring all 9 of her factors within the quarter.
Morris was impressed with Workman’s play all evening lengthy. “She gave every thing she had,” he mentioned. “She was locked in. She simply performed so effectively tonight.”
After dropping to Workman and firm, Hunter finishes the 12 months with a 10-14 report and for the second straight 12 months exits the state event within the first spherical.
For its reward, Nook Canyon advances to the second spherical of the event and can journey north to face No. 2 Fremont Thursday at 7 p.m. The Silverwolves, winners of the 6A state title a season in the past, haven't misplaced since December.
Morris is assured his group can compete with the defending champs. “We’ve performed in opposition to huge, tall, quick, proficient groups. That’s what Fremont is,” he mentioned. “We all know all about them. The coach is nice. That program is huge time.”
The Chargers simply would possibly want considered one of Hazer’s huge pregame speeches Thursday.