Chiefs feel sting of Hornets

In a non-conference match Dec. 21, the Cornell Chiefs Girls Basketball team hosted the Cadott Hornets. The first half began with Cadott jumping ahead.

“We were off for a while, so we had a full week of practice,” said Cadott coach Dave Hazuga. “We were definitely ready for a game and we played well together, rotating in a lot of players.”

It was a struggle for the less deep Cornell team on offense, but the girls fought valiantly to reach double digits in the first half. The game went into halftime with the score in favor of Cadott, 41-10.

Cornell’s defense kicked into action in the second half, holding to Cadott to 28 points, but the Chiefs’ offense wasn’t there. The game went to Cadott, 69-19.

“And that was the best we had shot the ball all year, our percentage was high,” said Hazuga. “The Cadott/Cornell match-up is a long tradition; they got a new coach over there and she has been playing hard.”

Cornell coach Courtney Yanko says her team played well.

“The score did not come out the way we wanted it to, but our defense made some pretty good stops,” said Yanko.

Leading the way for Cornell, was junior Teaira Spaeth, with 12 points, while senior Izzy Clark finished with 6 points. Senior Alyssa Helland chipped in with 1 point.

On Cadott’s side, senior Jada Kowalczyk ended the night with 15 points, followed by sophomore Elly Eiler, with 12 points, six of those from three-point land. Senior Meadow Barone came next, with 10 points and sophomore Lauryn Goettl notched 9 points, coming from three-point shots.

Senior Hailey Wellner also was hot from beyond the arc, with 6 points off three-pointers. Sophomore Laken Ryan and freshman Bradee Burish each ended with 5 points, with Burish recording a three from beyond the arc. Senior Jozlynn Messenger added 4 points and senior Mac Prokupek knocked down a three-point shot.

Cornell’s record sits at 1-5 overall and 1-3 in the East Lakeland Conference, while Cadott improved to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the West Cloverbelt Conference.

Even though the game did turn out in Cornell’s favor, Yanko is pleased with her team’s efforts.

“Overall, we got a lot better during the game and continue to improve each game,” she said, “and I could not be prouder of what the girls are doing on the floor every night.”

Hazuga agrees it’s good to get the games in.

“The girls are really enjoying playing together,” said Hazuga.

Cutline: Cadott senior Mac Prokupek plays aggressive defense against her Cornell opponent Dec. 22, in a non-conference away game. Cadott jumped ahead at the beginning of the match-up and went on to take a 69-19 victory. Photo by Ginna Young