KEARNEY – The Bearcats led at halftime but the championship DNA of Pius showed off in their second half comeback, edging past Kearney at Kearney High School Tuesday night for a Thunderbolt 49-43 victory. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
Kearney entered at 10-8 on the season having split their past weekend tilts at Lincoln North Star and Omaha Benson. A win would help propel the Bearcats back into a Top Ten conversation, and aid in their quest for a higher seeding in Power points. Pius however would prove to be a tough outing, entering at 13-3 and having had a week to prepare for the road matchup.
KHS GBB
As the game began, Pius and Kearney traded blows early as a slow offensive start was subdued by tremendous defense. Kelsey Hatcher buried a three pointer for the Bearcats, but Sara Iburg’s six points in the first proved to be the difference as the Bearcats trailed after the fast-paced first quarter 13-7.
KHS GBB
Entering the second, Kearney’s defense took leaps in their attack, stifling the Thunderbolts to only one score in the second quarter. The eight minute stretch was punctuated by a 13-2 run where Tatum Rusher added six points while Kennidy Garner found success from outside with a three pointer. A late lay-in by Harley Straka followed by Kelsey Hatcher to beat the buzzer had the home crowd abuzz, as the Bearcats led 20-15.
KHS GBB
The good feelings turned competitive again quickly, as the second half had Pius storm back with two three pointers – one from Addison Markowski and another by freshman Ava Markowski. Madelyn Navrkal found success with three scores from inside feeds. Kearney’s offense slowed only adding eight points in the quarter, as their first half lead evaporated into a third quarter deficit entering the final period down 29-28.
KHS GBB
Despite keeping in reach with Pius throughout the fourth quarter, the Thunderbolts outpaced Kearney 20-15 in the fourth quarter by knocking down several free throws and hitting clutch plays at every Kearney response. Rusher’s free throws again proved vital in the fourth quarter as the senior also added a three pointer to bring the contest back to a one possession game. Straka was able to score four and Haidyn Skeen answered with a huge three pointer, but the Bearcats late defense fell to fouls and gave Pius the edge as Kearney dropped the contest 49-43.
KHS GBB
The Bearcats fall to 10-9 on the season and take four days rest before taking on Lincoln Northeast at home on Saturday afternoon. KGFW will cover the broadcast with pregame beginning at 3:15 PM.
Kearney had contributions from Rusher with 12 points, Hatcher ended with 7, Straka and Province each had 6, Skeen wrapped with 5, Dutenhoffer had 4, and Garner completed the game with 3.
