Capital isn’t buying it.
The Black Hills senior post was outstanding Thursday night, putting up 26 points to lead Black Hills to a 73-56 non-league victory over the host Cougars.
Haskey has never had much trouble scoring, but in years past she’s had fellow post Danielle Swain there to shoulder some of the offensive burden. Swain is gone, and Haskey insists she’s still getting used to her new role – despite her outstanding performance.
“It’s really weird. Every year I’ve been here I’ve gotten used to having (Swain) by my side,” said Haskey, who made 12 of 16 attempts from the floor. “I’d much rather have her there because we played so well together.”
Adds Black Hills coach Robin Johnson: “Danielle has taken on a lot of the defensive focus, but Chelsea has dedicated her whole life to becoming better and she is really doing a heck of a job.”
Haskey seemed to mesh with the rest of her team just fine Thursday. On the rare occasion Haskey didn’t have a shot inside, there were more than a few options waiting on the perimeter. Junior guard Sara Myers added 14 points – 10 in the second half – including a banked-in 3-pointer with 3:30 left to play that put Black Hills (1-1) up by 15 and all but sealed the victory. Izzy Campbell and Kenzie Hennie chipped in with nine and eight points, respectively.
It was a successful night from the field for the Wolves as they finished the game 27 of 55. It was a much longer night from the floor for the Cougars (2-2), who made just 9 of 34 attempts in the first half and finished 20 of 73 (27 percent).
“My girls worked hard the whole time, but I thought we looked tired,” Cougars coach Colleen Wells said. “It’s early in the season and we’re still learning a lot. My team is very young, very inexperienced, and they’re still learning the varsity game.”
Capital returns just two starters and two other players with minimal varsity experience. One of those returners, Tosha Hollingsworth, picked up right where she left off last season. The senior guard, one of just three seniors on the roster, poured in 26 points. Sophomore Kendel Wilkerson added eight points for the Cougars.
Black Hills enjoyed a comfortable lead for most of the night, but Capital made a run near the end of the first half behind Hollingsworth, who made two breakaway buckets with under a minute left before the half to cut the lead to six. Behind Haskey and Myers, the Wolves took over the second half with a 13-2 fourth-quarter run that turned a six point edge into a 17 point bulge.
“They’re a tough team. And (Haskey’s) an amazing post and she’s complemented by some very good outside shooters,” Wells said.
