Lady Tigers fall to Jerome, 41-34

The Mountain Home Lady Tigers opened the new year the same way they ended the old year -- with a loss to Jerome.

Mountain Home opened the new year on the road Saturday at Jerome, coming up short 41-34.

The game had eight ties and 11 lead changes, with Jerome increasing its 16-14 halftime edge to 28-23 after three.

For Mountain Home, it was another dismal effort shooting the ball, as they managed just 20 percent (11/54) from the floor, including 3 of 13 (23 percent) three-pointers. They shot 60 percent (9/15) from the free-throw line.

"We just really struggled to score the ball," said Mountain Home Lady Tiger basketball coach Brent Keener. "We've got to start knocking down some easy shots."

Jerome did not shoot all that much better -- 31 percent (14/45) -- and connected on four of 16 (25 percent) of their long balls, with Kayla Green, canning three of those on her way to a 20-point game. Jerome hit 64 percent (9/14) from the foul line.

Whitney Sandberg led the Mountain Home scoring with 10 points. She just missed a double-double, bringing down nine rebounds.

Mattie Bennett netted eight points and had seven boards.

It was Madi Karst's first game of the season, as she had been out with a foot injury she received before the season started. She scored six points and had eight rebounds.

Jacci Cristobal also scored six and Tracey Gordon closed out the scoring with four points.

The Lady Tigers are back in conference action tonight (Wednesday), as they host Middleton.

"We're going to have to play well to have a chance," said Coach Keener of the Middleton game.

This week, the Mountain Home News continues its series of taking a closer look at the Mountain Home Lady Tigers varsity basketball team.

Whitney Sandberg

Whitney Sandberg is a five-foot, seven inch junior, the daughter of Denise and Darrin Sandberg.

Her hobbies include sports, running and riding.

Sandberg's goals for the season include team-center, saying, "to place high in district and make it to state."

Whitney's future goals include, "running track in college, earn a degree in biology and become a marine biologist," she said.