Indians’ rally comes up short

Cheyenne Mountain’s rally fell short as the Pueblo South girls basketball team held on for a 58-51 win Friday in pool play at the Palmer Holi-Tourney Invitational.

Trailing by 15 points with less than six minutes remaining, Cheyenne Mountain (2-4) scored 10 straight to make it 50-45 with 3:03 left.

“I really thought we could bring it all together there in the fourth,” Cheyenne Mountain coach Janie Mueller said. “I’m definitely not disappointed with the way we finished.”

The Indians, led by senior Caitlin Turner (20 points, four steals, four rebounds), outscored the Colts 17-12 in the fourth quarter.

“Caitlin has been really great for us, especially since some of our other starters have been having problems with injuries,” Mueller said.

Juniors Lauren Patterson (five points, nine rebounds) and MeKella Galliart (six points, three steals) have been struggling because of ankle injuries.

“This tournament is great be- cause it really gives you a chance to work things out in the preseason,” Mueller said.

Pueblo South (6-1) jumped out to an early lead against Cheyenne Mountain. In her first start of the season, senior Marie Smith racked up 22 points.

“Having Marie back on the roster really gives us a big edge,” Pueblo South coach Jim Harrison said. “She’s so comfortable out there and really leads us offensively.”

The Cheyenne Mountain’s press paid dividends in the fourth quarter.

“I thought we played really good for three quarters,” Harrison said. “It’s our third game in three days, so we’re pretty tired out there.”

Turner had two steals and two layups during the Indians’ fourth-quarter spurt. Freshman Connie Char had six points and a steal in the fourth.

The Colts play Pikes Peak No. 1 Palmer (5-0) in the championship game at 2 p.m. today.

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