Kelsey Hatcher, KHS Girls Basketball v. Lincoln High School (HAC Tournament) // Mitchell Brandt
KEARNEY – Although it was not always pretty, the Bearcat girls basketball team did what they’ve done best this season; grit and grind to a fourth quarter win as Kearney took down Lincoln High in the opening round of the Heartland Athletic Conference tournament with a 41-33 victory at home. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
The Bearcats had earned the seventh seed heading into the conference holiday tournament, while Lincoln High had settled into the tenth spot. Due to the NSAA mandated moratorium beginning on Saturday, Dec. 23, all first round matchups for the HAC Tournament would be played the Friday prior to the second round contests that begin on Thursday, Dec. 28.
KHS Girls Basketball v. Lincoln High School (HAC Tournament) // Mitchell Brandt
Kearney had already experienced this Link team earlier in the season, taking the rematch with Lincoln High from their 46-30 win in their capital city on Dec. 7. Additionally, Kearney had earned a strong run in the conference tournament a year prior – ending as the fourth place team going the full four days in the last HAC Tournament.
As the game began with a back-and-forth affair, each team had its chance for early answers. Kearney took the opening score from Kelsey Hatcher as she began the start of her seventeen point affair. Lincoln High would not back down early, as their outside shots would respond quickly. Aniyah Hicks-Robinson connected on two triples in opening quarter in back-to-back possessions, while Ayana Owens nailed her own three pointer. Kearney’s consistent scoring held the lead after the first eight minutes, with Harley Straka and Sophie Glandt each contributing two points as Kearney led 11-9 at the end of the first quarter.
Kennidy Garner, KHS Girls Basketball v. Lincoln High School (HAC Tournament) // Mitchell Brandt
The Links would gain their only advantage in scoring in the second quarter, outpacing Kearney 9-8 in the proceeding eight minutes of action. Owens would hit another three, but GiGi Owens would add another layer to the Links attack. Lincoln High’s defense recognized mistakes by Kearney to force several turnovers and create a frustrating end to the first half. However, Paige Mailahn hit two free throws and a three pointer while Hatcher knocked down another three pointer. Kearney would hold their lead by a single digit, going into halftime up 19-18.
The third quarter was defined by missed shots, turnovers, and tight defense. Kearney added only eight points, and the Links added six. Going into the fourth quarter, Kearney led 27-24.
Sophie Glandt, KHS Girls Basketball v. Lincoln High School (HAC Tournament) // Mitchell Brandt
The Bearcats would close out the game strong, coming from big performances by Addie Helmbrecht and Libby Province. Helmbrecht would go on her own personal five point run on back-to-back possessions, including an and-one chance. Province forced several turnovers then added four points on aggressive drives to the basket. Mailahn would hit another pair of free throws, and Kelsey Hatcher’s final three pointer put the game on ice as Kearney put up 14 points to the Links nine, winning 41-33.
The Bearcats (4-3) advance to the No. 2 seeded Lincoln Pius X Thunderbolts on Thursday, Dec. 28 for second round action. Tipoff is set for 2 PM for the contest. Kearney fell to the ‘Bolts back on Dec. 2 at Elkhorn South High School 41-36.
UNOFFICIAL KGFW SCORING TOTALS:
KEARNEY: Hatcher (17 points), Helmbrecht (7), Mailahn (7), Province (4), Straka (4), Glandt (2)
LINCOLN HIGH: A. Owens (10), Hicks-Robinson (8), Amaya Moore (8), G. Owens (4), Jordynn Collins (3).
