On a team in which each player owns her responsibilities, the Dragons also do a remarkable job of playing together. Against Haxtun on Dec. 14, Emily Jelden, pictured at left, and Taeryn Trumper close in on an unsuspecting Bulldog, abruptly putting a stop to the team’s offensive progress. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
HHS girls split close games with Haxtun, Pine Bluffs
Two close games brought home a 60-53 victory over Haxtun and a 49-52 loss to Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, for Holyoke girls basketball last Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14-15.
Coach John Baumgartner said the recent block of games is a “grind,” considering the grit and skill of their opponents, but that the team is improving under pressure.
He attributed the team’s Haxtun win to its discipline and steady shooting from the line — Holyoke made 16 free throws, compared to Haxtun’s six.
“I think our depth and our conditioning really wore them down in the second half,” he said. “We shot free throws very well, and we attacked the basket.”
He was also optimistic regarding the Pine Bluffs loss, even though he said it was a matter of missed shots and key players fouling out.
“I just liked the way we battled back; we didn’t quit,” he said. “We’re disappointed that we lost the game, but we shouldn’t be disappointed with where we’re at.”
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