Bethel women top Southwestern in Winfield
Bethel women top Southwestern in Winfield
The Threshers move to 3-2 in KCAC play led by four players in double figures.
WINFIELD — The Bethel women’s basketball team took down Southwestern at home on Wednesday night 83-75, with four Threshers in double figures.
“I think we played as a whole instead of individually,” said junior Josie Stupey from Arlington, Wash. “It was truly a team win, everyone contributed and cheered on each other's successes, and that is when we are our best.”
The Threshers enjoyed a spread out scoring effort, with four players in double figures, with Stupey leading the way with 19. Freshmen Kendall Locke and Madyson McKinzie added 18 and 11 respectively, and sophomore Caryn Yoder added 15 as well. McKinzie also led the team in rebounding with a total of nine on the night.
The Threshers also had 29 points off the bench, which provided a big boost for the offense. This was something they were missing in their previous game against Saint Mary in which they only had four points off the bench.
“I think the biggest difference in yesterday’s game was [our] intensity and grit,” said Locke from Azle, Tex. “At times we couldn’t seem to finish on offense but we stayed focused and dialed in even more.”
The Threshers had a big bounce-back performance on defense as well, led by Locke’s four steals and McKinzie’s two blocks, forcing the Moundbuilders into 20 turnovers in their matchup. Even with this defensive effort, interim head coach Rocky Lamar knows that the Threshers still have work to do.
“We have to do a better job guarding the 3 line and must rebound the ball better,” said Lamar, in response to the Threshers giving up nine 3-pointers and losing the rebounding battle 38-34.
Rebounding has been an uphill battle for the Threshers this year. Despite this, the Threshers have scratched their way to a 3-2 conference record and this young Threshers squad will be a dark horse competitor for the remainder of the season, especially when they can start winning the battle on the boards.
“We have really become a team these past two months and it’s been a huge advantage on the court,” said Locke in response to the team’s improvement. “We are such a fast team and I think that is what is special about us.”
Stupey echoed a similar sentiment: "We push each other every day to be the best we can and it is starting to translate on the court,” said Stupey. “We are creating a strong culture within the program and that shows on and off the court. We are working to each other's strengths and it's helping us develop really well.”
The Threshers are embracing this culture with one conference game left in 2023, Saturday in Thresher Gym against Tabor, who stands atop the KCAC with a 5-0 record in conference play. Tip-off is slated for 5 p.m.