by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — The Wellington girls basketball program has accomplished many things over the past decade. But one of things the Lady Crusaders have not been able to do is win an Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Div. IV title.

Tuesday was a great start as Wellington defeated Andale 59-43 on the road. Senior Grace Mitchell scored 31 points in the victory.

Wellington boys would lose to Andale 63-26.

The game almost seemed ho-hum, but it was historical on so many fronts. This may have been the first time in Wellington girls basketball history that the Crusaders have started a season at 4-0. This also may have been the first time in years that Wellington has gone to Andale and beaten the Lady Indians at their place.

Even during the Charlie Angels years, Wellington could not win in Andale. The Crusaders oftentimes would beat Andale at home in February, but never in Andale in December. Typically, a trip to Andale comes two days off the Kingman Tournament and a combination of fatigue and it being Andale makes it a disastrous night for the Lady Dukes.

Not this time. Wellington struggled early, falling behind in the first quarter. But an Avery Rusk 3-pointer at the buzzer would give the Crusaders an 18-17 lead.

“We didn’t play well in the first quarter at all,” said Eric Adams, Wellington head girls basketball coach. “We really need to work on playing well for all four quarters.”

But in the second quarter, Wellington would explode on an 18-4 run, that was concluded with three steals and two layups by Mitchell and Lauryn Snipes in the final minute. Wellington was in front 36-21 at the half.

The Crusaders would up the lead to 48-32 at the end of three quarters and would go on to win this one by 16. Whatever celebrating Wellington may have made after winning for the first time in Andale since Nam, was not displayed afterwards.

It seemed like another day at the office.

According to official WHS Maxprep stats, Wellington was 22 of 55 from the field for a 41 percent shooting success rate. Wellington was very effective beyond the arch, going 8 of 13. Mitchell led Wellington on rebounds with 11 while Tayland French had 8. Mitchell had three steals and four blocks. Snipes had four steals three assists.

Wellington travels to Mulvane on Friday for the final game of 2015.

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Wellington boys

Andale held Wellington scoreless in the first quarter 18-0 and led 48-8 at the half en route to an easy win. Pete Carney led all scorers with 14 and Clint Walstad had 11.

Wellington was led by Connor Phelps with 8.

Andale boys 63 Wellington 26

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