Poplar’s Girls Play Well Against Harlem

Poplar’s girls’ basketball team led for most of the first half and played with a lot of energy in its 70-57 home loss against Harlem on Tuesday, Feb. 1.

Trailing by an 8-4 margin early in the league contest, the Indians tied the game on a fast-break basket by Morgen Nordwick and a 15-footer by Kessee Erickson.

Poplar gained a 13-10 lead on a drive by Erickson and a three-pointer by Nordwick. The Indians held a 13-11 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.

After the scoring of Taya Trottier led Harlem to a 21-19 advantage, the Indians came right back on a 16-footer by Bailey DuPree and an inside hoop by Nordwick. Later in the half, Poplar struck for seven straight points on a drive by Azure, a three-pointer by Nordwick and a basket by Teagan Escarcega.

A hoop by Martell put Poplar up 32-27 at the half.

The scoring of Gracelyn Medicine Cloud led Poplar’s attack early in the third quarter as the Indians earned a 37-32 advantage.

A free throw by Erickson kept Poplar ahead at 38-36. With the Indians on top by a 39-38 margin, Harlem took the lead for good when Trottier hit five straight points.

Nordwick accounted for a three-point play and a threepoint shot during the last 2:13 of the quarter to keep Poplar close at 47-46.

The Wildcats took a 54-47 lead with seven of the first eight points of the fourth period.

Harlem went on to increase its advantage to 64-52 with only 3:20 remaining.

Trottier, a senior, finished the contest with 30 points. Aaraya Mount added 10 points for the Wildcats.

Poplar Coach Bryce Kirk was pleased with how the Indians worked and said the season is still a work in progress. He said the goal is to peak at the district tournament.