Covid complications bring delay to Lady Broncbusters return

Garden City, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)– The return for the second half of the regular season was within reach for Antwain Scales, and the Garden City Community College Lady Broncbusters.

A statement released by the Garden City Community College Athletic Department Tuesday afternoon indicated that Wednesday’s scheduled conference matchup would be postponed, and a awaited return would have to wait just a few more days.

Garden City was scheduled to travel to Pratt, Ks to take on the Beavers Wednesday night prior to the Pratt team contracting Covid.

Garden City ended the 2021 year with a tough and rather questionable loss to the Cowley Tigers. Was the loss questionable? Absolutely not. But the officiating? Many had similar opinions.

“I really can’t stand the fact that we come into certain places, and there is a pre-set on how the game should go.” Coach Scales commented in the post game. “I’m tired of seeing my team fight in a battle they can’t control, it’s not right.”

Despite the loss to Cowley, The Lady Broncbusters only find themselves with two other losses in the column, entering the new year, 10-3 overall, and 5-3 in the Jayhawk Conference. Garden City is being led this year by many different players. 

Kealani Neeves has made an impact again in her second season. The Hawaii native is averaging 14.2 points per game with a season total of 185 points. Neeves set her personal record in points per game back against Trinidad State with 25 points.

Donetria McGee wasn’t named defensive player of the year for no reason. McGee this season has applied hands to face defense and has forced a lot of pressure against opponents. McGee sits with 20 steals this season, and a Juggernaut performance against Lamar earlier this year. McGee hit a career and season high of 27 points, while managing to pull 8 boards and 5 steals. 

As two players can’t account for the entire team, the Lady Broncbuster find themselves entering 2022 with some favorable team stats. So far this season, Garden City has held opponents to just 34 percent in the field, and 24 percent beyond the arch. That’s what you call defense. But the achilles heel to it all, turnovers. Sitting with 17 turnovers a game, it’s a statistic coach Scales would love to change heading into 2022

Garden City’s next game will be Saturday, January 8th at 2 P.M. in Conestoga Arena. The make up game for the Pratt Lady Beavers has been set for January 24th.