Gabby Johns
HOPE — Going into Thursday’s Mid-Hoosier Conference battle, Hauser and Morristown appeared to be evenly matched in terms of record and scores against common opponents.
The Jets, however, were missing top scorers Madelyn Poe and Kyliegh Parrott because of illness and had only eight players available. As a result, they dropped a 49-35 decision.
“I can’t complain about their effort,” Hauser coach Chad Evans said. “They worked hard and played hard. They played without a couple of their better players, but they did a pretty good job of stepping up and playing hard. All seven of them that played were playing at a varsity level, and there were two or three JV kids playing. It’s next-girl-up. They stepped up, and their effort was awesome.”
The game was tied 12-12 late in the first quarter when the Yellow Jackets (10-9, 3-2) went on a 16-0 run to take control. Still trailing by 16 entering the fourth quarter, the Jets (9-10, 1-4) scored eight consecutive points to cut the lead in half, but could get no closer.
“We had opportunities to cut that lead down a littlt more,” Evans said. “We just came up short, and that’s part of it. You learn from it and move on.”
Gabby Johns led Hauser with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Adrianna Musillami added 11 points. Norah Berkenstock scored seven points, and Kenze Bostic grabbed seven rebounds.
“Gabby and Adrianna played hard, and so did Norah,” Evans said. “Kenze didn’t score, but she did a real good job on the boards. Lucie Asher came in and played really good defense.”
Evans said there is a chance Parrott could be back for tonight’s 7 p.m. varsity-only game at Shawe Memorial, but that Poe likely would not be able to play until next week.
