Hornets racing down to season’s end with hectic games
Cramming as many games in as they can before playoffs begin, the Cadott girls basketball squad faced off against two conference foes and two from out of the league.
Jan. 28 vs. Fall Creek conference (L 42-26)
It was home against Fall Creek to start the week, where both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm. Cadott went into halftime, down only six. The Hornets picked up their scoring in the second half, as did the Crickets, which led to a 42-26 victory for the visiting team.
“The girls played a tough, hard fought game last night, against one of the top two teams in the conference,” said coach Dave Hazuga.
Leading the way for Cadott, was senior Jada Kowalczyk, with 16 points. Senior Meadow Barone came next, with 4 points, while sophomores Elly Eiler and Lauryn Goettl each added a three-point shot.
“We compete every game and the girls always do their best to put themselves in a position to be successful,” said Hazuga.
Jan. 29 vs. Osseo-Fairchild conference (L 61-41)
The next day, Cadott was at home against Osseo-Fairchild. The score was evenly matched in the first half, with Cadott down three at the break.
In the second half, however, the Thunder kicked in their offense and outscored the Hornets, 41-24.
“We played tough Friday, but eventually, they pulled away,” said Hazuga.
After falling behind, Cadott saw the match-up go to the visitors, 61-41.
Eiler hit three shots from beyond the arc, ending with 13 points, followed by Kowalczyk, with 8 points. Goettl also added a three, finishing with 7 points.
Barone came next, with 5 points, while senior Hailey Wellner and sophomore Laken Ryan each knocked down a threepointer. Freshman Bradee Burish chipped in with 2 points.
Jan. 30 vs. Augusta non-conference (W 49-41)
Facing off against Augusta in a non-conference clash over the weekend, Cadott gave great effort when traveling to the Beavers’ court.
The first half saw the Hornets up by eight, while the score was even in the second half. With the slight advantage from before the break, Cadott pulled out the win, 49-41.
“The last few games teams have been guarding the inside with extra players, trying to stop our inside game,” said Hazuga. “Our outside perimeter play offensively has played well in response to that.”
Goetll again connected from long range – twice – contributing to her 15 points to lead the team, while Eiler finished with three shots from beyond the arc and 14 points. Kowalczyk also knocked down a three, ending with 11 points.
Wellner also got in on the three action with a shot from outside the arc. Barone rounded out the scoring, with 2 points.
“We continue to focus on our defensive responsibilities and teamwork,” said Hazuga, “and I like our efforts in that area and [it] will always give us a great chance.”
Feb. 1 vs. Independence non-conference (L 56-49)
To finish out their week’s schedule, Cadott headed to Independence, again stepping out of the conference.
The Hornets fell behind in the first half and went into the break, down 26-17. Cadott kicked their offense into gear, scoring 32 points in the second half, but Independence was right with them, adding 30 points of their own.
With the disadvantage of a first-half deficit, the Hornets saw the game go to the home team, 56-49. Cadott’s record now sits at 7-7 overall and 3-6 in the West Cloverbelt Conference.
Kowalczyk led in scoring for the Hornets, with 13 points, followed by Goettl, with 10. Eiler and Barone each added 9, and Wellner contributed 5 points. Ryan also chipped in, with 3 points.
