KILLEEN, TX – In a contest that remained a defensive grind for three quarters, the Temple Tem-Cat freshman basketball team found their gear when it mattered most. Behind a staggering 30-point performance from Kyleigh Juarez and a late-game offensive explosion, the Tem-Cats pulled away from Killeen High for a 51-33 road victory on Friday evening.
The win moves Temple to an impressive 19-5 on the season and 8-3 in District 12-6A play.
A Battle of Inches
The game began as a back-and-forth affair, with both teams deadlocked at 12-12 after the first quarter. Killeen’s trademark speed and aggressive defensive pressure disrupted Temple’s rhythm throughout the first half, holding the Tem-Cats to just 9 points in the second quarter.
However, Temple’s ability to strike from distance kept them afloat. The Tem-Cats continued their "hot shooting" trend, connecting on a remarkable 9 of 16 attempts (56%) from beyond the arc. Juarez led the long-range assault with five triples, while Sha’Kyhria Freeman added two, and Hayden Williams and Deonnie Jones each chipped in one.
The Fourth Quarter Takeover
Entering the final period with a slim 31-25 lead, Temple finally solved the Killeen press. The Tem-Cats exploded for 20 points in the fourth quarter while stifling the Lady Roos defensively, limiting them to just 8 points in the closing frame.
"This group of ladies continues to impress me," said Temple head coach Taylor Sims. "Killeen's speed and defensive pressure really gave us problems for three quarters. But, we were finally able to dictate the pace late in the game and pull away in the fourth quarter."
Box Score Highlights
While Juarez’s 30 points headlined the night, the Tem-Cats saw balanced contributions across the roster to seal the win:
Kyleigh Juarez: 30 points (5 threes)
Sha'Kyhria Freeman: 6 points (2 threes)
Hayden Williams: 4 points
Catherine Dunklin: 4 points
Lyla Shamlin: 4 points
Deonnie Jones: 3 points
Up Next:
The Tem-Cats will look to close out their successful season on a high note this coming Tuesday, February 10. They return home to host Killeen Shoemaker at Wildcat Gym, with tip-off scheduled for 5:00 PM.
