Creston Panthers Dominate Murray in 55-22 Non-Conference Showdown

The Creston Panthers secured a decisive victory over the Murray Mustangs, winning 55-22 in a non-conference girls basketball game on March 15, 2024. The match, held at Creston, highlighted the Panthers’ aggressive fast break strategy and solid defensive performance, which stifled the Mustangs throughout the contest.

Creston’s coach, Tony Neubauer, praised his team’s defensive play, particularly their effective 1-3-1 trapping defense. Senior guard Kadley Bailey was instrumental in this approach, leading to numerous turnovers for Murray. “We weren’t running our offense right to get where we needed to be, so they were able to trap the passes that went to the corner,” said Murray coach Chris Robins. The Panthers capitalized on these mistakes, converting them into fast break points, with Bailey finishing the night with 25 points.

The game began with Bailey hitting a 3-pointer, setting the tone for a first quarter dominated by the Panthers. By the end of the first period, Creston had established a commanding 20-7 lead. The Mustangs struggled to find their rhythm, going nearly five minutes without scoring until Maliya Berry managed a basket late in the half. By that time, the score had ballooned to 30-9 in favor of Creston.

Neubauer noted that this game served as an opportunity for his team to improve and prepare for upcoming conference challenges. “Tonight was a good way to work on stuff and play basketball,” he said. With two conference road games on the horizon against St. Albert and Atlantic, the non-conference match was timely for the Panthers.

Bailey’s performance was complemented by her teammates, with Hollynn Rieck contributing significantly by igniting fast breaks through steals and defensive rebounds. Rieck finished with six assists, showcasing her vision and playmaking skills. “Hollynn sees the floor better than any kid I’ve coached, boy or girl,” Neubauer remarked, emphasizing the synergy between Rieck and Bailey.

Despite the scoreline, Robins saw value in the experience gained from competing against a strong team like Creston. “If we come to play our game, I don’t think it would have been quite like that,” she reflected. Both coaches acknowledged the importance of challenging matchups, especially with crucial conference games approaching.

The Panthers’ defensive prowess was evident as they forced 18 turnovers from the Mustangs. They capitalized on these opportunities to score, leading to a halftime score of 32-9. In the second half, while Murray managed to find some scoring, it was not enough to close the gap, and Creston maintained control throughout.

After the game, Neubauer expressed respect for the Murray program, noting that they would be competitive in their conference. “In their conference, they will be a decent team for sure; they’ll probably win 13 or 14 games,” he said, highlighting the mutual benefits of such non-conference encounters.

On the following night, both teams faced additional challenges. The Panthers traveled to face Class 1A top-ranked St. Albert, where they fell 75-34, but Bailey achieved a milestone by becoming the first player in Creston’s girls basketball history to record 200 career steals. Meanwhile, the Mustangs faced Diagonal, losing a close match 37-35.

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their experiences, with Creston aiming to refine their shooting and Murray seeking to enhance their defensive strategies. The upcoming games will be crucial as both teams strive for success in their respective conferences.