Playoff berth on the line

Win and you are in.

It’s the motto this weekend for the Fallon girls basketball team. A victory over Dayton stamps the Lady Wave’s ticket to the postseason for the fourth consecutive season.

Fallon’s win over Truckee (6-6 league, 6-12 overall) last week gave the Lady Wave (9-3, 12-9) a season sweep over the Wolverines, who are currently in fifth place. With a victory over struggling Dayton (2-9, 2-13), Fallon locks up another postseason bid.

Despite a 55-18 drubbing by Fallon on Jan. 10, Fallon coach Anne Smith will not overlook the Dust Devils.

“We just can’t overlook them,” Smith said. “We just have to take it one day at a time.”

Lowry, on the other hand, presents a formidable challenge. The Buckaroos (9-3, 13-9) are tied for third with Fallon and can also clinch a postseason berth with a win today at Fernley.

Fallon slipped past Lowry, 42-38, on Jan. 11

“We have the home-court advantage, but that doesn’t mean they can’t come in here and beat us,” Smith said. “We are just trying to perfect the fundamentals.”

Leading the offensive charge for Fallon are Ali Tedford, who is averaging nine points per game, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists. In addition, Hannah Lindsay (8.4 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Gabby Sharpe (7.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and Megan McCormick (8.0, 5.6) provide other options for Smith.

Adding a boost to the club will be Shelby Smith, who missed the past several games due to an injury. She provides a safety blanket on the perimeter and adds another rebounding presence for the Lady Wave.

Lowry, meanwhile, is led by Alyssa Dendary, who is averaging 9.7 points and Jillian Albright who adds 7.3. In the block, Jasmine Marchand and Payton Neveran each average more than five boards per game.

The key for Fallon, Anne Smith said, is to play loose and not force the action.

“If we put to much pressure or build something up they don’t perform as well,” she added. “We are trying to keep things relaxed, but focused. Just play your game, take care of these details and we’ll be OK.”