Win or lose, its how you play the game

The weather let up a little this past week in order for the Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) High School girls basketball play this week. Their first game on February 2 against the Saratoga Lady Panthers team was close but the Lady Miners came up a little short, losing 27 to 21.

The next game against the Encampment Lady Tigers playing in Encampment had moments that HEM girls basketball coach Jackie Jones was pleased to see, but the game ended up with the Lady Miners losing 58 to 22.

"Encampment is a really good team," Jones said. "We played a great basketball team, to be quite honest. They have size, they have shooters and they like to run the floor."

Jones admits to being impressed with the Lady Tigers.

"They are one of the better teams we have played this season," Jones said. "And we have played against some great basketball teams this year."

Jones said she was not disappointed with how the Lady Miners played.

"We were composed with our offense and we were able to get some good open shots," Jones said. "Hanna Gonzales shot the ball well for us, and the freshmen players continued to step into some big roles for us."

The Lady Miner's record of 2-13 overall and 1-2 in conference play doesn't tell the effort the girls are putting in to play.

"We know where we are at and we make no excuses," Jones said. "We just keep plugging away and playing hard."

Jones said this season is laying the foundation for her young players in the future.

"I know there is frustration sometimes when fans see our record, but in all fairness, this isn't about a record, this is about the girls," Jones said. "They are the ones practicing the nights, doing the drills and putting in the time and effort. So Kenzie Strauch, my assistant and myself are focusing on them and not the outside chatter."

The Lady Miner coach said she has talked to other coaches and because this season has so many strong teams, all are relying on their experienced players who have been together for several years.

"There are times when I feel we are jelling and coming together and then you run into a team like Encampment where you get rocked back on your heels a little bit," Jones said. "Their experience shows but it doesn't take away from the hard work and heart this team has as they are a great team like Encampment."

Jones said the team will continue to focus on executing their offense.

"Hannah got the shots because we have been practicing and practicing to make our offense work," Jones said. "We have been looking to do this since we started the season and now we are. It sometimes take doing it piece by piece. We put things together and I am pleased. We just played a great basketball team, there is no denying that."

The Lady Miners have two away games this week. The first one is against Farson-Eden on Thursday and then they face Rock River.