Henning ends season with 17-10 record

Head coach Mike Hepola said this is his least favorite girls basketball update that he has to give each season as unfortunately Henning’s season came to an end at home Thursday night against Ada-Borup. The Hornets lost by the final score of 56-50.  

Despite having pretty much an entirely different team and starting line-up this season, the girls finished with a 17-10 record. The Hornets have all but one player coming back next season, so Hepola hopes they’ve gained some confidence and learned from their successes and mistakes. Hepola said he hopes each of the Hornets continue to work on their individual game both offensively and defensively to help the team be a stronger team in the 2022-23 season.  

To Henning’s lone senior, Emma Severson, Hepola said thank you so much for being a tremendous leader for the team on, and most importantly, off the court. He said she will forever be a part of the Henning Hornet girls basketball family and the team wishes her nothing but the best in all of her future endeavors.

Ada-Borup first round of playoffs 56-50 loss

Hepola said the coaches talked to the girls a bunch before the game, that the Hornets certainly had the better team if they played up to their standards last week. However, Ada-Borup would come to Henning with “nothing to lose” and Henning needed to be ready for anything.  

Ada-Borup was able to jump out to an 8-0 lead early. Henning didn’t panic and was able to get the lead by as many as 7 in the first half, before some foul trouble led to the Hornets having to sit Lyvia Misegades. That allowed Ada-Borup to cut Henning’s lead down to one at halftime by a score of 25-24.

In the second half it was back and forth as the Hornets made a nice run to once again get a 6 or 7 point lead. Unfortunately, Ada-Borup went on a roll and the Hornets couldn’t get any stops on the defensive end and ultimately had to foul late in the game. The Hornets eventually lost by the final score of 56-50.

As a team the Hornets shot a very solid 43 percent from the field, but their defense allowed the Cougars to shoot 57 percent from the field. The Hornets weren’t able to make some defensive plays down the stretch and then couldn’t answer with buckets of their own the final couple of minutes.

Individually, Henning’s top three scorers once again all had solid games as Misegades led the way with 21 points on 8/11 shooting from the field and 4-5 on free throws. She finished with another double-double also grabbing 12 rebounds to lead the team, despite having foul troubles in the game.  

Faith Fisher hit three big 3-point baskets and finished with 14 points, while Ally Hart joined those two in double digits with 10 points, as well and played some point guard against their zone in the second half. Lily Fraki 3 points and Aaliyah Olson had 2 points to round out the scoring.  

Misegades led the way with those 12 rebounds, followed by Fisher, Fraki and Hart all with 3. Hart led the team with 4 assists and Natalie Eckhoff also added 3 assists.  

Hepola said he pleaded for people to come out and support these girls. He said he appreciates the crowd that showed up for Thursday’s game, and he is sorry the team didn’t get it done for the fans. Please continue to support these young ladies, as they are working to bring a lot of success and pride to the Henning School and community. Hepola said he wanted to thank everyone for the support of this team over the season.

Individual Stats

Faith Fisher 14 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist

Lily Fraki 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal

Ally Hart 10 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists

Aaliyah Olson 2 points

Natalie Eckhoff 1 rebound, 3 assists

Lyvia Misegades 21 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal

Photos by Chad Koenen

Above: Lyvia Misegades, Ally Hart and Emma Severson converge on a Parkers Prairie ball handler during a game earlier this season. Below: Faith Fisher finished with 14 points in last week’s game against Ada-Borup West.