Weiser can’t tame visiting Baker Bulldogs

Tom Falash Gymnasium was filled with Lady Wolverine fans last week as the Weiser ladies hosted the visiting Baker Bulldogs.
 The Wolverines had a rough time handling the 2019 Oregon 4A State Champions in their first meeting and unfortunately succumbed to a similar scenario in the recent contest, losing to the Bulldogs 57-29.
 The Bulldogs wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, drawing first blood with a lay-up shortly after the opening tip.  
 However, Weiser freshman Tobie Noyer countered with a big rebound and the put-back. The Wolverine defense was aggressive and caused some Bulldog chaos and ultimate turnovers and the Wolverines took the lead when Noyer picked off a Bulldog pass that culminated in a rebound and a basket from Marissa Moyle, but the Bulldogs found a hole in the Wolverine defense, tying the game 4-4 midway through the first quarter.  
 Despite a dizzying pace on both ends of the court, the Wolverines appeared relaxed, limited their turnovers and worked hard to move the ball, allowing for repeated full-court, long ball offensive feeds down court to the open Noyer.  
 Unfortunately, as pretty as the plays were, the Wolverine shots were not falling and before long the Bulldogs mounted a counter to the full court offensive and shut down the opportunities prior to the Wolverines finding their groove. By the end of the first period the Wolverines trailed slightly 5-8.
 The Bulldogs began to gradually pull away from the Wolverines in the second quarter, and with the Wolverines unable to score until midway through the period, the Bulldogs soon led 14-7.  
 Maddy Erickson hit a long jumper from the top of the key, but for every Wolverine score, the Bulldogs seemed to score 6.  
 Andrea Bouvia and Jenifer Juarez both shot 100 percent from the line for a combined 4 points, but the Bulldogs outscored the Wolverines 17 to 8 in the period, capturing a commanding 25-13 lead by halftime.
 Erickson hit a free throw and an inside jumper off a steal to start the second half, but even with the markedly improved ball movement and defensive presence, the Wolverines could not keep up with the Bulldog shooting percentage.
 Both teams had 12 attempts from the field in the third quarter, but the Bulldogs had success in half their attempts while the Wolverines had only 2 baskets and a free throw in the quarter.
 Trailing 18-40 to begin the final period, the Wolverines never gave up and continued to work hard and hustle on defense resulting in numerous steals.  However, it took the Wolverines nearly three minutes to capitalize on the scoring opportunities.  
 Meanwhile, the Bulldogs continued to gradually add to their score.  Ivy Morris was a big defensive presence in the second half, stealing the ball numerous times and hitting the mark from behind the arc and from the top of the key.  Unfortunately, the Wolverines couldn’t shut down the Bulldogs and lost 29-57.
 Ivy Morris and Maddy Erickson had 7 points apiece to lead the Wolverines, followed by Tobie Noyer with 5 points and 5 rebounds.  Andrea Bouvia added 4 points, while Mattie Shirts, Marissa Moyle and Jenifer Juarez each had 2 points.