Despite 27 points from Cassopolis’ Santaja Gibson, undefeated Buchanan was able to escape with a BCS Athletic Conference non-divisional victory Monday night.

The visiting Bucks (6-0) outscored the Rangers (4-4) 17-10 in the fourth quarter to pull out the 51-44 victory.

“We played extremely well,” said Cassopolis coach Janice Gatson. “We got some shots to finally go in. We still need to take better care of the ball and take advantage of the other teams turnovers. I think that if we keep improving every game we will be able to compete with teams.”

Buchanan led 16-13 after one quarter and 27-23 at halftime.

Cassopolis outscored the Bucks 11-7 in the third quarter to square the contest at 34-34 heading into the final eight minutes.

“I felt it was a nice win for us,” said Buchanan coach Gabe Miller. “I believe it was the first time this season where we have trailed in the second half so it was good to see the girls persevere the challenge,” Late in the fourth quarter I think our experience may have been the difference as multiple girls made hustle plays or hit big shots, and then Brooke Wesner was able to ice the game down the stretch at the free throw line.”

Wesner hit 5-of-6 free throws in the fourth quarter for the Bucks and finished with 18 points.

Buchanan was 9-of-18 from the charity stripe for the game.

The Bucks also got 16 points from Morgan Zelmer. Jayla Bibbs finished with 13 points.

Besides Gibson’s output, Kayla Rowan added six points.

“I felt Cass has vastly improved since last year, and their size, athleticism and length provided a challenge for us throughout the course of the game,” Miller said. “I was really impressed with the coaching job and the determination of the Lady Ranger players.”

Buchanan and Cassopolis are both back in action Thursday night as the Bucks head to Berrien Springs for a BCS Red Division contest, while the Rangers travel to Mendon for a BCS Blue contest.

 

BUCHANAN 51, CASSOPOLIS 44

At Cassopolis

BUCHANAN 51

Brooke Wesner 18, Morgan Lenox 2, Jayla Bibbs 13, Morgan Zelmer 16, Candee Peppers 0, Myesha Mayo 0, Ally Stephenson 2, Alyssa Rehmel 0, Megan Adkerson 0. TOTALS: 18 9-18 51

CASSOPOLIS 44

Angel Gary 2, Santaja Gibson 27, Kiersten Hartsell 0, Eryn Forrest 0, Kyana Buck 4, Kayla Rowan 6, Madison Brooks 3, Sophia Fiala 0. TOTALS: 17 6-12 44.

 

Buchanan       16       27       34       51

Cassopolis      13       23       34       44

3-point baskets: Buchanan 4 (Wesner 2, Zelmer 2), Cassopolis: 0. Total fouls (fouled out): Buchanan 15 (none). Cassopolis 17 (Fiala). Varsity records: Buchanan 6-0, Cassopolis 4-4.