CEDAR PARK- Similar to its football counterpart, girls basketball in the land of District 25-5A is going to be a gauntlet. The match up between Vista Ridge and Cedar Park was a clash between some of the best basketball teams in the state. In the beginning of the contest it seemed like the game was going to live up to the hype as both teams exchanged 3-pointers to open it up. Fans were treated to an back and forth first period. Cedar Park eventually took the lead at the free throw line 11-10 with about 3:46 to play in the first quarter. That moment was the only time that Cedar Park would have the lead. Vista Ridge ended up closing out the first quarter with the 17-11 lead and never looked back.
It was a track meet as Vista Ridge’s Point Guard, Japreece Dean, led her talented group to the 64-34 victory. Vista Ridge played a complete two-way game. On offense, Dean was magnificent leading break, dishing out dimes, and getting buckets. Her speed combined with her talented teammates was too much for the Cedar Park defense to contain. The Terrific Transfers, like the TCU-bound, was deadly accurate from behind the arc all evening. Danielle Rainey, who played for Cedar Ridge last season, made her presence known by scoring and rebounding in the interior.
As for Cedar Park, after the first quarter, the team speed of Vista Ridge was just too much to defend. The Lady Rangers’ defense keyed on defending Lexy Green, as they constantly doubled and triple-teamed her all evening. The Lady Timberwolves did not help their chances with poor shooting, as they shot less than 35-percent from the field. Cedar Park was also unable to control the boards and looked out of sync all night. The Lady Rangers continued to pour it on till the very end.
With the loss, Cedar Park falls to 13-6 overall and 1-1 in district. They will be back in action Friday evening against Dripping Springs. Vista Ridge continues to hold the top spot in the state at 16-0 overall and 2-0 in district. The Lady Rangers are on the road Friday night against Marble Falls.
