The Mason Cowgirls closed 2012 by sweeping the Lady Badger Christmas Classic Basketball Tournament December 28th and 29th in Lampasas. While Mason was the only 1A school in attendance, teams from much larger schools including Lampasas, Austin Crocket, Lorena, Canyon Lake, Dripping Springs and Belton also participated.

During Friday morning’s match up against the 4A Dripping Springs Lady Tigers, the Cowgirls maintained a slim lead throughout the entire game, inching out a win with a final score of 37-34. Margaret Lemke scored 27 points, Caroline Hudson scored 5, Alexa Menchaca scored 3 and Hannah Haley scored 2. Strong defense from all the Cowgirls kept the Lady Tigers from a late game rally. Rebound leaders were Margaret Lemke and Caroline Hudson with 7 rebounds each and Hannah Haley with 6.

Later that afternoon, the 5A Belton Lady Pirates worked hard to shut down senior Margaret Lemke, running a box and one defense against the Cowgirls and alternating between three separate defenders to keep Lemke from shooting. Senior Emily Holland and juniors Hannah Haley and Caroline Hudson took control with the trio scoring 30 points between them. With seconds left and a tie ballgame, Lemke was fouled going to the hole and sent to the free throw line. After missing the first of two, Lemke hit her second free throw. The Cowgirls took the lead and cemented a slim 56-55 victory over the Lady Pirates. Rounding out the scoring was Margaret Lemke with 16 points, Kayla Guice with 5, Alexa Menchaca with 3, and Kelly Kothman with 2. Rebound leaders were Hannah Haley with 8 rebounds and Caroline Hudson with 6. Helping clinch the win were assist leaders Mari Marquez with 6 assists, Kayla Guice with 4 and Alexa Menchaca with 2.

Saturday afternoon brought those in attendance a championship game not soon to be forgotten between the Cowgirls and the 3A Lorena Lady Leopards. Lorena finished last season making it to the 3A State Final Four. The Cowgirls and the Lady Leopards stayed point for point for most of the game with solid defensive play coming from both sides. The fourth quarter buzzer brought a 35-35 tie between the two teams, with Lemke fouling out in the final minute. Going into overtime and with the senior on the bench, the remaining players stepped up in true Cowgirl fashion.

Seconds into the four minute overtime period, Holland made a layup and was fouled. She went to the line and made her free throw. Hudson then hit a big jumper giving the Cowgirls a five point lead. Playing fierce defense, the Cowgirls fought hard to maintain their lead. With a little over a minute left, the Lady Leopards sank a three pointer and reduced the Cowgirls lead to two. With one minute left on the clock and showing no fear, Freshman Kayla Guice hit a huge three from the left side, once again giving the Cowgirls a five point lead. The Lady Leopards answered with a quick layup bringing the score again to within three. With amazing defense, the Cowgirls held the lead the remainder of the game. The Cowgirls came out on top with a final score of 43-40. Scoring consisted of Margaret Lemke with 22 points, Emily Holland with 8, Kayla Guice with 6, Caroline Hudson with 4, Mari Marquez with 2 and Hannah Haley with 1. Rebounding played a huge role in the overtime win against the Lady Leopards. Leading rebounder Caroline Hudson had 11 rebounds, followed by Emily Holland with 7, and Hannah Haley and Margaret Lemke each having 6.

Seniors Margaret Lemke and Emily Holland were named All Tournament. Mason congratulates the Cowgirls for their big wins and wishes the girls the best of luck in district.