(San Antonio, Texas)-Oh, What a Game! Make that 62-straight wins too! In double-overtime, the Cedar Park Lady Timberwolves (37-0) scored five points to defeat Frisco Memorial HS 45-40 to repeat as the University Interscholastic League Class 5A State Girls Basketball Champions at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
It was all Lady Timberwolves 6’0 Gisella Maul as she mauled her opponents with 22 points scored and was almost perfect from the free throw line with 8-of-9 bonus shots made. She also had 16 rebounds, including 13 on the defensive side. Maul was named the 2022 UIL 5A Most Valuable Player.
In the first overtime, Maul rebounded after a missed shot under the basket by Frisco Memorial and she raced down court to score to make it 37-35 with 2:48 left to play. Frisco Memorial Jordan Conerly came back with a three-pointer to put the Lady Warriors up 38-37. Still, Maul was not done. Again, she drove to the basket and was fouled to put the Lady Wolves up again, 39-38 with 2:02 remaining. “This game today was incredible. I cannot explain this feeling right now,” said Maul.
In the second overtime, Frisco Memorial (37-6) had its chances, but Maul played havoc on the Lady Warriors as she would get fouled again. She would score on a pass from Elaine King and was fouled. This time, she put her team up for good, leading 43-40 with 1:58 left in the second overtime. “I’m going to enjoy this win with my teammates,” added Maul.
Frisco Memorial HS was making its first trip to the UIL State Tournament. The Lady Warriors finished the night with 18-of-64 FGs attempts and were dismal going 2-of-19 from the three-point arch. The Lady Wolves out-rebounded the Lady Warriors 51-36 despite committing 15 turnovers. “I’m really proud of this team. We are blessed with our team,” said Donny Ott, Cedar Park HS head coach. “This is my seventh year as a girls head coach but this team has won 62 straight wins. I’m dane proud of this team.”
