Comets close season tonight

Nevada Daily Mail

The Cottey Comets had their dreams of a second seed shattered Saturday, as they lost to Forest Park in St. Louis, 59-57.

Cottey led by as many as 18 points in the first half, but Forest Park changed to a man-to-man defense and a more physical style of play, and the Comets couldn't match it.

Forest Park outscored Cottey 35-24 in the second half, forging a split in the season series between the two teams.

The Comets had chances to tie or win the game in the final 30 seconds, but missed three shots, one a 3-point attempt.

Lacy Leonard led Cottey with 23 points and 14 rebounds, but she was the only Comet scoring in double figures.

Imogene Dooley led Forest Park with 22 points.

The loss makes Cottey 11-7 overall, 4-5 in Region 16 play. The best Cottey can do now is a third seed in the region tournament, meaning they won't get a first-round bye.

The top seed is North Central Missouri College, which is unbeaten in region play this year.

Meramec and Penn Valley are fighting for the third seed, with Penn Valley visiting Cottey tonight to close the regular season.

If the Comets win, Meramec is the second seed and Cottey will be the third seed. If Penn Valley wins, they will have a coin toss with Meramec to determine the second and third seeds, while Cottey will drop to the fourth seed.

Cottey lost to Penn Valley in overtime in the teams' first meeting in Kansas City, Jan. 10.

Tonight's game was supposed to be played Tuesday, but the weather in Kansas City made it prohibitive for Penn Valley to travel.

Instead the game will be played at 6 p.m. today. The contest is Fan Recognition Night and Senior Night. Admission is free for all fans, and Cottey's six seniors will be recognized before the game.