Conroe hung on against a late-surging veteran Lake Creek Lions squad led by Texas A&M commit Chaney Spencer Tuesday evening in its home opener.
The Tigers saw a 12-point lead at halftime shrink, but they still hung on for the non-district win, 55-54.
Conroe improved to 2-0 on the season ahead of the three-day 75th Lady Tigers Classic which starts on Thursday. Lake Creek, also competing in the Lady Tigers Classic later this week, is 0-1 on the year.
It was a big challenge from a Class 5A team with one of the best college recruits the Tigers might see this season. The experience be used to prep for District 13-6A beginning later this month.
“It’s great considering that we start district November 19th,” Conroe coach Tamisha Houston said. “For us to be able to pull out the win when we allowed them to go on a run – they’re making shots, we’re missing shots – it teaches us how to overcome adversity, which is going to be great for us when we start district.”
Conroe was tasked at stopping Spencer, who is a four-year starter for Lake Creek and committed to the Aggies over the summer. She totaled 30 points, including three 3-pointers made.
Ava Anderson also heated up Lake Creek with four three 3-pointers in the second half and she finished with 17 points.
But what’s important for Conroe was hanging on and it took everyone.
It was a balanced night of offense led by junior Riley Gross and sophomore Carly Boothe , who scored all 11 of her points in the first half.
While Boothe tailed off in the second half offensively, freshman Kayleigh Phillips heated up for seven points.
“I think it’s great for our freshman point guard Kayleigh Phillips,” Houston said. “She just finished playing junior high a year ago. Playing in a game like this at the 6A level, I think this does a lot for her confidence.”
Gross was consistent all night as she was the lone Tiger to produce points in all four quarters. She finished with a game-high 19 points, with nine in the first half. She drained a pair of 3-pointers in the first quarter.
“Riley is a kid that’s really working,” Houston said. “She gets up some mornings and puts up shots. She’s leaving and going putting up shots when school is over. She’s really wanting to play at the next level and she’s putting in the work. She’s expanding her game to knock down the 3, which you saw tonight. That opens up the floor for us for our ladies who like to drive to the basket.”
Senior Alisa Sneed was big from the line with a 5-for-5 night and 11 total points.
Junior Damiri Anderson knocked down a key 3-pointer in the third quarter.
Conroe will face Dekaney to begin the Lady Tigers Classic at noon on Thursday.
Conroe junior Damiri Anderson battles for a rebound against Lake Creek Nov. 5, 2024. (Chris Zorzi/SportCast Media)
