Cadott squashes Crickets, can’t overcome the Macks

By Ginna Young

It was a split week for the Cadott girls basketball program, in two tough West Cloverbelt Conference games.

Feb. 7 vs. Fall Creek conference (W 62-57)

“It was definitely one of our most exciting games of the year,” said Dave Hazuga about the hard-fought win on their home court against Fall Creek.

The game remained tight throughout, with the Crickets taking a slim, one-point lead into the break. The Hornets pulled together to outscore their opponents in the second half of the game, claiming a 62-57 victory.

“We had to win to secure our conference placement finish,” said Hazuga.

The night was also made memorable, as senior Ellie Eiler reached the 1,000 points mark, leading the Hornets with 25 points. Junior Emma Kowalczyk came next, with 17 points, while senior Laken Ryan followed that up with 8 and senior Lauryn Goettl ended with 6. Senior Eva Enestvedt contributed 5 points on the night and freshman Taylor Hager shot a free throw.

“Everyone stepped in and played some of their best basketball of the year.”

Feb. 10 vs. McDonell conference (L 64-40 )

To close out the week, McDonell came to call, but it didn’t go as the Hornets would have liked.

“I thought we executed and got off to a pretty good start,” said Hazuga.

That was before the Macks went on a run to end the first half with an 18-point lead. Coming out of the break, Cadott made sure they were better at putting some points on the board, but McDonell still came up with a 64-40 win.

“I thought we did some good things in the second half,” said Hazuga.

Goettl led the way this time, with 25 points, followed by Enestvedt, with 9, and Eiler, with 3. Kowalczyk added 2 points to the mix and Ryan chipped in with 1.

“We have some time off now, to refocus for our Saturday night crossover game,” said Hazuga.