LAKE DALLAS – Coppell senior guard Navaeh Watson scores a layup, the scoreboard flashing 10 seconds left on the clock and Allen leading by six over the Coppell girls basketball team. The Coppell crowd radiates with energy and hope despite the Eagles’ lead, but two made free throws by Allen sophomore point guard Simone Richmand finalize Allen’s victory.
On Monday, Allen defeated Coppell, 57-49, in the Class 6A Region I bi-district playoffs at Lake Dallas High School. Monday was the third consecutive bi-district meeting between the two teams and Allen’s first victory of the three.
Prior to the game, Coppell coach Ryan Murphy said “the team that calms down and settles in first gets off to the best start.” The Cowgirls started off tight in last night’s game, then forced the ball, Allen settling into the game first.
With 6:02 remaining in the third quarter, the Cowgirls trailed Allen by five points. Richmond scored, drawing a foul from Coppell junior guard Landry Sherrer and sinking both shots from the free throw line. Richmond’s and-one puts the Cowgirls behind by eight, a lead that never shrunk until the final minute of the game.
“When you’re playing from behind the whole time, it’s tough emotionally and in terms of your physical energy and stamina,” Murphy said.
During Richmand’s final free throws, Coppell senior guard Ella Spiller is substituted from the court, the Cowgirls’ fans rising to applaud Spiller’s performance in the game and dedication to the team throughout her Coppell career. Spiller led the Cowgirls with 25 points.
“I’m very proud of the team and getting to do this every day with the girls–go to practice, hang out with them after, go to battle with them,” Spiller said. “I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. They’re my family.”
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