New-Look Lady Buffaloes Impress in Opening Night Win
Garden City High School girls basketball team hosted Dodge City High School on Tuesday January 31, 2023 at The Garden in Garden City, Kan. The Lady Buffalos lost to the Red Demons 47 - 49. Photo Credits; Adam Shrimplin, Shrimplin Photography
Coronado, CO. – One of four additions to head coach Jacob Miller’s starting lineup was a true freshman, just 14 years old.
Coach Miller described Maya Korf as ‘fearless’, somebody who would make a difference in his program for years to come.
Her first impression was phenomenal, leading her team to a win in her debut.
The Garden City Buffaloes girl’s basketball team stifled the Coronado Cougars on Thursday, winning 39-21 over the hosts of the Cougar Tip-Off. Miller improves to 3-0 over Coronado in his tenure with the Buffs.
“Those girls have worked their tails off for the last three weeks,” Miller said. “I’m extremely proud of them, it’s a good win.”
Garden City returned just one starter from last season. Sophomore K.J. Pinchon started out strong, scoring five points in the first quarter on her first two field goals of the year, giving Garden City a 9-4 lead. Coronado’s returning forward, Dayshanay Bruner, responded in suit. The senior delivered six first quarter points, helping the Cougars tie the game at nine.
The Lady Buffs flexed their muscles towards the end of the first half, going on a 13-0 run to lead by 13. Senior Miraya Martinez finished the first half with a game-high 10 points, splashing home a wide-open three pointer to cap off the run.
“It was a stretch of good defense. Good defense leads to good offense,” Miller said. “We made shots, we made our layups.”
GCHS held Coronado scoreless for over six minutes in the second quarter, with Bruner scoring the only points of the quarter. The Buffaloes won the second, 14-2, to take a 26-11 lead into the break.
The second half saw Garden City hold the ball for extended possessions, but they struggled to find the bottom of the barrel. Korf stood out to change that the Buffs, scoring eight points with two three-pointers in the final 16.
The Freshman finished with a game-high 15 points for GCHS in her debut.
“Most of the time, I’m a passer,” Korf said. “I like to get my team more points than I do, but I tried to shoot more today.”
The Lady Buffaloes continue their Cougar Tip-Off journey tomorrow against the Fairfield Knights. Tip Off from Coronado is scheduled for 3:30 P.M., coverage on 99.9 ‘The Rock’ begins at 3:10.
