Photos by Chad Koenen
Addison Bode goes up for two points during last week’s game against the Menahga Braves.

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The Henning Hornets hosted the undefeated Menahga Braves in a Park Region Conference match up on Tuesday night. 

Lily Grieger works for position in the paint during last week’s game against the Braves.

Unfortunately, the Braves improved to 15-0 overall and 9-0 in the conference with a 78-45 win over the Hornets. 

“Tough match up tonight. Menahga is a very talented team in 8AA. We were looking for good energy and to see if we could improve from the first time we played them,” said head coach Ryan Emter. “I thought the girls came out and made it a competitive game. We moved the ball well and did some nice things to break their pressure. The score didn’t exactly reflect our effort, but I was pleased with what we were able to get out of this game against a really good team.”

After falling to the Braves by a score of 86-36 on Friday, Dec. 5, the Hornets kept the game around a 20 point deficit for much of the second half before Menahga pulled away in the closing minutes of the game. 

Henning made an impressive 12-13 from the free throw line and turned the ball over just 20 times against a tough Braves defense. Ultimately, Menahga’s outside shooting that included 12-27 from behind the 3-point line and a 27-6 advantage in points off of turnovers was too much for Henning to overcome.

Photo by Chad Koenen
Stella Iliff drives to the lane during last week’s Park Region Conference game against the Braves.

Despite the loss, Emter said the Hornets did a good job of attacking Menahga’s defense throughout the night, but will continue to need to grow on the defensive end of the court against good 3-point shooting teams moving forward. 

“I felt like we did a nice job tonight with our dribble drive and attacking their defense. We shot really well from the free throw line so I was also happy to see that growth,” he said. “We needed to do a better job of switching and stepping out on defense against some really good 3-point shooters.”

The Hornets were led offensively by Alivia Emter who scored 13 points, while Addison Bode scored 11 points and Callie Thompson scored 10 points to go along with five rebounds and four steals. 

Bella Olson chipped in with seven points, Lily Grieger scored two points and Stella Iliff rounded out the scoring with two points and eight rebounds.

This week the Hornets traveled to Long Prairie-Grey Eagle on Monday night, before returning home on Friday night to take on the Sebeka Trojans in the final bag tag night of the season. Elementary basketball players are encouraged to wear their basketball jersey or bring their bag tag to the game to receive a special treat from the Henning girls basketball team. 

“Our third and final bag tag night at home will be Friday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. against Sebeka. K-6 wear your jersey or bring your bag tag to receive one,” he said. 

Henning vs. Menahga

POINTS: Callie Thompson 10, Alivia Emter 13, Lily Grieger 2, Addison Bode 11, Bella Olson 7, Stella Iliff 2

ASSISTS: Callie Thompson 2, Alivia Emter 1, Addison Bode 1, Abbigale Godding 1, Stella Iliff 2

REBOUNDS: Callie Thompson 5, Alivia Emter 1, Lily Grieger 3, Addison Bode 2, Bella Olson 1, Abbigale Godding 1, Stella Iliff 8

STEALS: Callie Thompson 4, Alivia Emter 1, Addison Bode 1, Stella Iliff 1

BLOCKS: Alivia Emter 1