This week’s Lindbergh High School Girls’ Basketball Invitational should be a prime opportunity for the Flyers to prepare for the upcoming District 2 tournament.
“Right now, we’re building for districts,” Lindbergh head coach Bill Thoele said. “By that time, we hope to be a little more experienced and be able to compete for a district title.”
The Lindbergh Invitational will feature Fort Zumwalt West, St. Charles, Marquette, Seckman, Fox, Pacific, University City and the host Flyers. The Flyers (5-11, 1-3 Suburban West) are coming off a heartbreaking 57-51 loss to Jefferson City Saturday night at home.
“We upgraded the schedule in order to play some quality teams,” Thoele said. “Jefferson City took third at state last year, and I think we came out a little intimidated.”
Jefferson City took a 19-11 lead after the first quarter, but the Flyers battled back in the second quarter with a 10-3 run to bring the score to 22-21 at halftime.
“After that first quarter, we really fought tooth and nail with them,” Thoele said.
The Flyers turned up the heat on Jefferson City in the third quarter as they held a 43-36 lead going into the fourth quarter. But a 21-8 run in the fourth doomed the Flyers as Jefferson City pulled away for the victory. Alicia Ubriaco led the Flyers with 18 points and four rebounds.
“Alicia was hitting her shots from the outside really well,” Thoele said. “I think that she played a little bit more mature than a freshman last night.”
Lindbergh’s Brittany Casey also scored in double figures with a 15-point showing that included six rebounds. The sophomore forward added to her double-digit scoring effort with two assists.
“Over the last six or seven games, Brittany’s become very consistent for us,” Thoele said. “She’s really turned into a big-time player for us.”
Junior Aimee Ubriaco’s 12 points rounded out the Flyers’ three players to score in double figures. The starting guard led the Flyers with five assists and four steals while also recording four rebounds.
The Lindbergh Invitational began earlier this week. The championship game is set for 7 p.m. today — Jan. 25.
