Cadott getting into stride early in the season

Cadott senior Meadow Barone takes a short jump shot Dec. 14, at an away game in Lake Holcombe. The Hornets walked out the door with the non-conference victory, 58-47.

It was a tough week for the Cadott girls basketball program, in terms of scheduling.

Dec. 8 vs. Stanley-Boyd conference (L 63-37)

Cadott started off their week going the short distance to Stanley-Boyd, where the Hornets struggled to keep their opponents from scoring, especially as one of Stanley-Boyd’s players recorded 27 points.

“We have to learn to be able to play the game faster, transition defense and getting out-rebounded, are the areas that cost us the game,” said coach Dave Hazuga.

The Hornets went into halftime down by 15 points, but were better at limiting the Orioles on the scoreboard. It wasn’t enough and Cadott dropped the game, 63-37.

“We had a good stretch in the second half, but not enough to mount a comeback,” said Hazuga.

Senior Jada Kowalczyk led the way with 15 points, including a three-pointer, while sophomore Elly Eiler finished with 6 points. Sophomores Lauryn Goettl and Laken Ryan, each ending with a three-point shot.

Meadow Barone, senior, finished with 4 points and sophomore Eva Enestvedt chipped in with 2 points.

“It was our first game, we have a lot to look forward to improving on,” said Hazuga.

Dec. 10 vs. Glenwood City non-conference (W 72-36)

Cadott was home two days later, facing off against Glenwood City.

The Hornets took a dominating lead in the first half, 42-20, and kept up the scoring barrage in the second. Glenwood City couldn’t catch up and Cadott claimed a 72-36 non-conference victory.

“It was a good game for us, we were able to get more comfortable with our defense,” said Hazuga. “We were able to get the ball inside the whole game and that opened it up for everyone.”

Kowalczyk had top honors in scoring for the night, with 27 points, while Eiler had 12 points, three of those coming from beyond the arc. Senior Hailey Wellner, Goettl and Ryan, all had 8 points and two, three-pointers each. Barone ended her night with 6 points.

Dec. 11 vs. Altoona conference (W 44-39)

The Hornets had no time for rest, as they were back in action at home against Altoona.

“We were ready to play tonight,” said Hazuga. “It was senior night and we already had two games behind us, so there were no more excuses; everyone did their job.”

Cadott was down by four at halftime, but came storming back in the second, outscoring their conference opponents to reel in the 44-39 win.

“I thought our perimeter defense and guard play was a big key to the game,” said Hazuga, “and with Jayda always putting pressure on the defense to stop her from scoring, that continues to space the floor on offense.”

Kowalzcyk again took honors, with 21 points, followed by Eiler with 13 points. Eiler made a three from beyond the arc, as did Goettl, who finished with 6 points. Barone added 3 points and Wellner rounded out things with 1 point.

With the win, the Hornets improved their overall record to 2-1 and 1-1 in conference play.

“Every conference win is a big win, so, hopefully, this will help us find our stride early in the season,” said Hazuga.