After being on the road for the first week of December, and competing in six games in six days, the Azalea Lady Bruin basketball team and head coach Kyla Siri enjoyed a home game Tuesday night, taking on a strong Crescent Elk team.
In the first period of play both teams struggled to make baskets as both teams turned on the defense at the jump, to start the game.
At the midway point of the first period Crescent held a slight lead from defensive rebounds and fast break baskets that they would not give up through out the game.
Head coach Kyla Siri applied a full press and soft pressure in the back court to try and slow the Elk offensive fast break opportunities, but Azalea could not find the basket early to keep pace with the Crescent Elk scoring.
As the game continued, missed opportunities for the AZ lady Bruins were allowing the Crescent Elks to expand their lead, and Azalea fought to break out of their shooting slump.
A late flurry of offensive action by the AZ lady Bruins brought the score closer in the late periods of play, as coach Siri had the team attack the Elk defense, getting her team to the line and allowing her team to close the gap at the free throw line.
“You could tell we were a little tired today,” coach Siri said after the game. “But the girls continue to be precise and trust in the process. They are much more confident in their shooting, and I am excited for what’s to come for this group.”
Coach Siri and the AZ lady Bruins will have their final scheduled home game appearance Monday evening at the Azalea Bruin Arena at 5:30pm, before completing their season on the road in Gold Beach.
