Crowley win over Burleson has third place in knot

By Kevin Casas

Special to the Star-Telegram

CROWLEY -- It may take another rematch to decide playoff spots in District 8-4A after the Crowley girls paid Burleson back on Friday for an earlier loss.

Crowley and Burleson are tied for third place with a game remaining Tuesday after the Eagles' dominating 52-36 home win.

"I'm really pleased with the way they've turned things around," Crowley coach Rhonda Jackson said. "We started the year with 13 players and are down to eight with injuries and what not."

If both win Tuesday, Crowley and Burleson will meet again in a playoff for third place in district. Burleson won the teams' earlier meeting 46-35.

Crowley (18-13, 8-5 in 8-4A) started the regular season 7-0 and opened district play 4-0 before losing their leading scorer to a season-ending knee injury.

Friday, Crowley jumped out quick and kept a double-digit lead through all four quarters.

Bailey Broadnax and Haley Gresham scored 14 points each to lead Crowley, which built a 23-3 lead to start the game.

Burleson (19-11, 8-5) found some offense in the second quarter behind guard Lindsay Bryan. Her two 3-pointers in the second quarter gave the Elks some life. She finished with five 3s and 16 points.

Bryan's shooting drew Crowley's 3-2 zone out of position and opened up the passing lanes for Mackenzie Hailey (11 points), who had two easy layups to trim the Eagles' earlier 20-point lead.

"We've proved that we can shake off the losses and play in the big games," Jackson said. "I think this gives us some confidence for sure."

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