Lady Raiders’ rally falls short in 67-59 loss
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Uniontown’s Khai Harris (4) shoots over Imani Christian’s Tynise Walker (22) during Wednesday’s Christmas Clash tournament game at Laurel Highlands High School.
Imani Christian's Cali Konek (2) tries to block the shot of Uniontown's Yolanda Jackson (33) in the final girls game Wednesday of the Christmas Clash Tournament at Laurel Highlands High School.
Despite scoring 29 points in the final eight minutes, the Uniontown girls basketball team’s rally fell short in a 67-59 setback to Imani Christian Wednesday afternoon at the Laurel Highlands Christmas Clash.
Trailing 51-30 through three quarters, the Lady Raiders (1-6) started out the fourth period with an 8-4 run and trimmed the deficit to single digits several times in the final minutes.
“We didn’t quit and the fourth quarter was our best,” Uniontown assistant coach Vince Winfrey said. “We missed 16 lay-ups in the first half and had no flow on offense. In that fourth quarter we got some turnovers and used our speed on offense.”
The Lady Saints (5-4) made enough plays at the end and hit their free throws to secure their second straight win in the tournament.
Imani was led by the outstanding play of Cali Konek, who poured in 51 points. The freshman guard tallied nine in the first quarter, 16 in the second and 13 apiece in the final two periods.
“She is a very versatile shooter for them,” coach Winfrey said. “She made her shots and was at times unstoppable. She can shoot the three and drive to the hoop. We tried to pressure her and double team her to her left-hand side. We had to force her teammates to make plays.”
Uniontown had three players in double figures, headlined by 22 points from Khai Harris.
Yolanda Jackson added 17 points for the Lady Raiders, while Arielle Winfrey chipped in with 12.
Uniontown opened the contest with two straight baskets, but Imani responded with an 11-4 run to end the first quarter.
In the second period, Konek connected on four shots from beyond the arc and the Lady Saints held a 22-9 scoring edge in the second for a 33-17 halftime lead.
Imani held an 18-13 scoring advantage in the third quarter before a wild, back-and-forth final eight minutes for both squads.
“We got to have confidence in our offense the rest of the way,” coach Winfrey said.
“We can’t afford to miss those easy bunnies in the paint or struggle at the foul line. We have to be more consistent at that end and get a balanced scoring attack every night. We just have to slow down and run our sets.”