by 
The Ray Lady ‘Cats
Copper Basin News
The Bearcats faced the Desert Christian Eagles in the 1st-round of the Division IV State Championship last weekend. After leading the Eagles at the end of each of the first 3 quarters, the ‘Cats were outscored by 7 points in the fourth and eventually lost in heartbreaking fashion, 46 – 44.
The 23rd-seeded Bearcats were one of the last teams to make the tournament field of 24 teams and dominated the 10th-seeded Eagles from the beginning. It was a shocking end to the game as well as the season for the Bearcats.
Sophomore Stormee Galka scored a team-high 20 points and was 1 of 2 ‘Cats to score in double figures. Junior Sideny Chenoweth added 12 points.
The loss marks the end of their high school careers for seniors Breauna Hathaway, Chris Coryell and Ashley Meza. Hathaway (4 pts), Coryell (2 pts), and Meza (3 pts) each scored in their final appearance as Bearcats.
The ‘Cats will look to build on the success they developed toward the end of the season. Leading scorers Stormee Galka, Sideny Chenoweth, and Savannah Willis will return to lead a talented and experienced group next year.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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