INDEPENDENCE, Kan. - After the first half of the season ended, the Independence Lady Pirates (6-6, 1-4) were still searching for answers, but with a new year comes a new season with a new attitude that will begin on the road Saturday January 5 against the Garden City Bronc Busters (7-6, 2-2). 

"We've been working very hard since everyone returned with four days of two-a-day practice and trying to get in as good of shape as possible before the first game of the new year," coach Leslie Crane said. "We've been ironing out things as much as possible to defend against them and come back victorious." 

The Lady Pirates scored 64.4 points per game and shot 32.7% from the field while making 22.1% from three-point range in the first half of the season, while Garden City averaged 69.4 points per game and shot 37.8% from the field with 28.0% from beyond the arc. 

Saturday's game will begin with a 2 pm tip-off from Conestoga Arena.