The Milan Ladycats, seeded Number 1, faced off against the Number 2 seed Green City Gophers in the Championship match-up on Saturday, January 16, 2021. Milan won the tip, scored first, and led beginning to end, leaving no doubt who the dominant team of this 61st tournament Lady’s bracket. These Ladycats had their goals set, executed each game plan, were bound and determined to accomplish a Championship. Milan ran out to a dominating 22-10 first quarter lead. The Ladycats committed only 3 turnovers, while the Lady Gophers turned the ball over multiple times. The tight defense of the Ladycats cost the Lady Gophers offensive opportunities and Milan converted into scores. Fanny had an assist to Auburn for the game’s first points. After Green City tied the score at 2-2, Milan went on an 11—0 run and a 13-2 lead. Cady Pauley took the air out of the Lady Gophers chances when she casually sank 3 LONG 3 pointers. Cady had 13 points in the quarter; Auburn 6, and Janissa dropped in a 3 pointer. Jocelyn had 2 assists; Jordyn and Fanny had 1 apiece.
The Lady Gophers fought hard, but had no answers for Cady. Milan led, 37-21 at halftime. The third quarter began with the Ladycats reeling off 14 unanswered points for an insurmountable 51- 21 advantage and a 60-33 lead after 3 quarters. Cady dropped in 17 for the quarter; Jordyn, Auburn, and Bobbi Ann had 2 points apiece. Auburn had a beautiful assist to Cady on a perfect give and go. The Ladycats coasted the final quarter as the Ladycats took home the Championship trophy with an awesome 73-51 victory.
Cady dominated scoring with 45 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals; Jordyn reached double figures with 10, adding 8 re-bounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal; Auburn with 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block; Bobbi Ann 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist; Fanny 3 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals; Janissa 3 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal; Jocelyn 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 1 steal; Danielle had 1 rebound.
So many accomplishments for this special Ladycat squad. In the 61 years of this tournament Milan only had two titles, 1988, 2006, and now 2021.
As it turns out, with a boys’ Championship, it is the first time in History both squads captured the Championship in the same year.
Finally, no surprise—Cady Pauley in the 61st Milan Tournament was the Girls’ Tournament Most Valuable Player. Congratulations to the Milan Ladycats!!!
