Lady Cats Winning As A Team

The Lady Cats needed a total team effort and got just that.

El Dorado beat Central Arkansas Christian 67-63 in overtime Friday before holding off previously unbeaten Bryant 50-48 Saturday night in the final. In both games, the Lady Cats had to overcome adversity and find a way to win.

El Dorado overcame a 12-point third quarter deficit against the host Lady Mustangs, who shot 42 free throws as three Lady Cats fouled out. Against Bryant, El Dorado trailed 27-22 at halftime and played the entire second half without the services of point guard Kristian Tester. The Lady Hornets shot 20 free throws in the first half to just four for El Dorado.

This same team crumbled under a lot less pressure than that last season. This year, players are stepping up.

Tester scored 22 points and dished out eight assists in the win over CAC. The sophomore, who leads the team in scoring, assists and steals, went down with a knee injury against the Lady Hornets.

Cassie Tester hit four 3-pointers and Meshali Mitchell assumed the point guard role to help the Lady Cats rally. El Dorado’s post game also made a stand as Falundrus Sims scored 13 with 12 boards and five blocks before fouling out. Sarah Sullivan and Kendra Stegall combined for 15 points, seven rebounds and eight assists as El Dorado beat Bryant for the first time. April Curley played through an injury and sickness. Kensel Spivey came off the bench for a big 3-pointer and Roshunda Aaron provided important minutes in the backcourt.

“I’m happy for the seniors,” said Slatton. “I told them at halftime they had to do it. There was a big void when Kris went out. I let them know she would not be back in the game. This is where you have to be a senior and step up and do a little extra.”

The early report on Kristian Tester’s knee is good. Two doctors examined her Saturday night and both felt the injury was not serious and felt she could be back within a week. She will be examined again today. El Dorado does not have a game for two weeks.

“If she has to not be with us for the next couple of games that’s fine,” said Slatton. “We want her back by January.”

Mitchell (pictured) came off the bench for 20 points in the win over CAC but her performance against Bryant was just as valuable, where she had five points and three assists in the second half.

“We wouldn’t have gotten it done without her in either game,” said Slatton. “Even though she didn’t get those 20 points, she did what we needed her to do. She had to take on a different role and she stepped up.

“That’s what people need to look at. Did they help the team win? Not, how many points she had or how many assists? Did they do something to help the team win? That’s everybody. Our bench was enthusiastic and upbeat and that played a factor. We get challenged everyday in practice. Even though they might not dress out for the game, those players are helping us win. They’re helping to prepare us and the preparation is the key.

“It’s not about those numbers. It’s what you do on a consistent basis and what you do to help the team win. There are a million ways to help a team win. Even though she didn’t play in the second half, we don’t win that game without what Kris has brought to the team, the competitiveness she’s brought to the team.”

El Dorado has 20 players on its roster and Slatton said they all share in the 6-1 record and two tournament championships this season. If the Lady Cats stay on their current pace, they might actually win enough hardware this season so each contributor can take some home.