February 28, 2008
Lincoln County Girls Second at Regionals

Photo by Dave Maxwell Marissa Smerek gets around Needles Kara Andrada.

By Dave Maxwell, Staff Writer

The Lincoln County girls placed second in the Southern 2A Regionals, behind Needles, a spot they have been in all season.

Louise Solomon had 18 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Mustangs to the title 59-49 and the #1 seed into the State Tournament in Reno this Friday and Saturday.

Three other girls for Needles (28-3) scored in double figures as well, Alex Chandler with 13 and Miranda Brackett and Mary Marquez had 10 each.

Marissa Smerek led the Lynx (13-17) with 26 points and 18 rebounds. Jennifer Lesicka added 17 points.

The day before the Lady Lynx had a fantastic finish, in their 57-54 thriller with White Pine. Coach Henry Frehner said they were behind by 11 points most of the time, but “Marissa Smerek saved us.” She scored 11 of her game-high 29 points in the fourth quarter and the Lynx finally took the lead with only 30 seconds remaining. “It was the first time we had the lead all game,” said Frehner.

“White Pine was a lot better prepared than we were, and we put it on her (Marissa) back to carry us. And our full court press was finally effective in the fourth quarter,” he said. Smerek also pulled down 15 rebounds

In Reno, Lincoln County will be matched up with Battle Mountain Friday at 6:20 pm at North Valleys High School. Needles will play Lovelock at 3:00 Friday at North Valleys.

The 2A girls’ state championship is Saturday at Noon at the Lawlor Events Center.