KFDM COOP Posted February 10, 2009 Report Posted February 10, 2009 Playoff bound LC-M wins, gets help from Livingston buzzer-beater Gabriel Pruett The Orange Leader LITTLE CYPRESS — Basketball fans will not hear Amanda Ellerbee and the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Lady Bears complain about four playoff teams in 4A for a long time. Thanks to a buzzer beater from the Livingston Lady Lions, the Lady Bears are headed to the playoffs for the first time under Ellerbee’s direction. “In a way to start the year I thought it was silly,†Ellerbee said of four playoff teams qualifying for the playoffs. “I am not saying that now. I’m its biggest fan. I really feel bad for Nederland, they deserve it just as much as anyone else. I know they beat us twice in district.†Ellerbee was proud for her seniors who were freshman when she took over the Lady Bears’ program. “I am happy for the girls,†Ellerbee said. “I have grown up with them. I am so glad they will get the experience of being in the playoffs. It feels like this is two years in the making. This is the same team from a year ago that only beat Vidor in district. They wanted it this year and they worked at it.†Ellerbee heard Nederland was up three points with a minute to go right before she pulled up into Bulldog Gym after her team defeated Vidor, 45-25, Tuesday. When she walked in the gym the two teams were tied at 44. The Lady Lions took a shot and missed and then with two seconds left got an offensive rebound and a bucket to win the game. “There is nothing worse than someone else controlling your destiny,†Ellerbee said. “We were jumping up and down after the shot. Everything we had worked for came together.†The Lady Bears did their part by first beating Vidor. LC-M ends the district race at 7-7 while Nederland finished 6-8. Amber Soileau led the Lady Bears with nine points, six steals and three assists while Brittney Hale added eight points. Ellen Williams finished the night with eight points and Katie Harrell added seven points, eight rebounds and two assists. Maci Wilcox finished with four points. The Lady Bears struggled through the first three periods as LC-M was up 31-22 heading into the fourth. LC-M’s defense came alive in the fourth, holding the visiting Lady Pirates to just three points in the game’s final eight minutes. The final score was far from how the Lady Bears were looking in the first half. LC-M was up 13-9 after the first period and then took a 21-19 lead into the break. The Lady Bears did a better job in the second half of protecting the ball.
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