Wautoma’s Lady Hornets took on Berlin’s Lady Indians on Jan. 5 during a girls basketball game at Wautoma High School. The game kept a close score for some time but Wautoma managed to keep the lead against Berlin. The final score went in favor of the Lady Hornets, 42-36.
Lady Hornet Diana Duran started the game off strong for the hosts with a 3-point shot in the first minutes of the game. Ava Stahl then went 2 for 2 at the line, gaining a 5-0 lead over the Lady Indians. Berlin was not going down without a fight and managed to catch up after a 3-point shot, followed by a 2-point shot.
The game was tied 5-5, but Laney Panich brought the Lady Hornets back in the lead with a 2-point shot. The Lady Hornets kept their momentum going, especially at the free throw line when Panich went 2 for 2 followed by another 2 for 2 from Bri Buechner. This brought Wautoma’s lead over Berlin 13-6.
Berlin kept up the pace with a few 2-point shots from their players. Lady Indian Claire Bartol then went 2 for 2 at the line to help catch up, but the team was still down 15-12. With their opponents catching up the Lady Hornets had to be quick on their feet. Strong offense and a 3 from Stahl did the trick, getting Wautoma a 20-12 lead. The half time score ended with a basket by Panich for a 24-17 lead for the home team.
After their weak first half offensive game the Lady Indians came back stronger in the second half. Berlin set the pace with a 3-point shot getting Berlin to 20 points. After another 2-point shot from Berlin the Lady Hornets defense was able to get the ball back with a basket by Panich bringing the score 28 to 22.
Lady Indians offense was starting to prove themselves to be a fierce competitor, gaining 4 points from two baskets. The Lady Hornets answered with a 2 from Jalyn Piechowski bring the score 33-28. The teams played the ball back and forth for some time when eventually a 2-pointer from Lady Indian Jane Hoffman caught her team up to 33 to Wautoma’s 35.
The Lady Hornets were starting to feel the heat, but this only gave them more perseverance to push through. Wautoma defense got their head in the game, helping get a 3 by Piechowski to present a 38-33 lead. Stahl helped secure their place ahead after going 2 for 2 at the line. Lady Indian Bartol was called to the line again as well, only going 1 for 2. Stahl ended the game by going 3 for 4 at the line, with the Lady Hornets claiming victory 43-36.
