Austin's' Hope Dudycha and Cooper's Jayla Reliford try to gain control of a loose ball. Photo: brian.peterson@startribune.com
Defending Class 3A champion Cooper’s proven formula of deflating defense impressed and subdued an Austin team playing in its first state tournament since 2008.
The Packers struggled with nerves early and fast, relentless defenders throughout Cooper’s 72-40 victory Wednesday in the Class 3A quarterfinal at Maturi Pavilion.
“I was very satisfied with my team,” Hawks senior guard Aja Wheeler said. “Austin is not a bad team, but we kept them at a pretty low score.”
Austin (20-9) scored its third-fewest points in a game this season.
Defending Class 3A champion Cooper crushed Austin by a 72-40 score in a state tournament quarterfinal Wednesday at Maturi Pavilion.
No. 2 seed Cooper (21-8) reprised its role from a season ago as a staunch defensive team that feasts off turnovers and miscues.
Austin (20-9) scored its third-fewest points in a game this season.
Check back later for more on the game.