Lady Jackrabbits fall to Hornets in sub-state play

March 1, 2023

The Lady Jackrabbits hosted the Dighton Hornets for the first round of sub-state on Thursday, February 23.

After a National Anthem sung by seniors Titus Sherer and Trinity Albers and junior Reagan Crotinger, the game tipped off at 6 p.m. in front of a loud and excited Jackrabbit crowd.

The Lady Jackrabbits initially had a difficult time getting their shots to fall and struggled with turnovers in the first quarter. 

With a minute remaining, sophomore Jadyn Mangan made a free throw then followed it up with a three-point shot to bring the Jackrabbits within two points, ending the first quarter 8-10. 

A strong quarter of play, book-ended by steals from Karlyn Woelk and Jadyn Mangan put the Lady Jackrabbits up 21-20 going into halftime. 

The Lady Jackrabbits came out after half going strong, and kept putting up points. An early three from Jadence Stewart kicked off a scoring run and at one point, the team led the Hornets by 10. The Hornets quickly mounted a comeback and only trailed the Jackrabbits by 4, 32-28 at the end of the third quarter. 

The atmosphere at Thursday night’s game was exciting and Shafer was appreciative of the fans who helped keep the girls charged. 

“Our fans stuck with us,” said Shafer. “The gym was packed and the student section did a great job. It was loud and the atmosphere was pretty awesome.” 

Shafer recalled trying to get a couple of girls’ attention and finally giving up, knowing they couldn’t hear him over the cheering. 

During the fourth quarter, the Lady Hornets outscored the Jackrabbits 18-11. Both teams fought to the final buzzer, scoring 17 points in the final 2 and half minutes of the game, much of which was the two teams trading fouls and free throws. 

The Lady Jackrabbits fell to the Lady Hornets, 43-46, ending their season and sending the Lady Hornets along to the next round of substate at Wheatland-Grinnell. 

Sophomore Jadyn Mangan led scoring for the Jackrabbits with 21 points. Freshman Jadence Stewart contributed 13, and also had a double-double with rebounds, which has become a consistent accomplishment for her over the past four to six games. 

“I wish we had had another three or four games left before sub-state,” said Head Coach Kyle Shafer. “I think we just started playing to our potential; we just needed a couple more games to get more confidence.” 

Though Shafer is disappointed to see the season come to an end, he couldn’t be more proud of the girls and their effort throughout the season. 

“I wouldn’t trade my team for anyone’s,” Shafer said. “I am so proud of the girls and their work ethic. They never gave up. They just kept working hard, giving everything they had.”

Shafer also expressed his appreciation to the parents and families who have supported the girls with meals, treats, and more throughout the year. 

“I think we’re going to come back even stronger next year,” he said. 

The Lady Jackrabbits finished the season with a 5-16 record.