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The Lady Hornets are one of the most improved basketball teams in the entire Lackawanna League...a fact the local lasses proved in no uncertain terms Thursday.
Scranton Prep rolled into the Maple City for a Division One clash with the Red & Black. The last time these two squads met, the Classics dominated from opening tip to final buzzer en route to a 64-36 win.
On Thursday night, however, Coach Tracy Ludwig’s girls were ready. The Lady Hornets went toe-to-toe with Prep and nearly pulled out a huge victory.
Sadly for a big, boisterous hometown crowd, the difference in this one turned out to be Tricia Byrne.
One of the best players in the region, Prep’s sophomore guard rattled the rims for a game-high 24 points in leading the Classics to a 53-49 decision.
“The last time we played them, we got our butts kicked,” Coach Ludwig said. “I am so proud of these girls and how far they’ve come. We gave Prep all they could handle here tonight.”
With this setback, Honesdale’s overall record falls to 13-5. The Lady Hornets are 2-2 in second half Division One action.
Next on the agenda for the Red & Black is a non-league game this afternoon at East Stroudsburg South. Opening tip is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
Hanging Tough
Once again, Kacie Johannes got things rolling for the Lady Hornets.
A versatile junior forward who possesses a deadly accurate jumper, Johannes hit two jays from the corner, then added a pair of free throws. She tallied seven of her team-best 14 points in the first period.
“Kacie has been playing very well in the second half of the season,” said Coach Ludwig. “She’s taking on more of a leadership role out there, too, which I’m really happy to see.”
Katie Miller also turned in a solid effort. The Lady Hornets’ freshman guard contributed 10 points to the cause, including a perfect 4-for-4 stint at the charity stripe.
Prep led 16-11 after one period, thanks in large part to Byrne’s circus halfcourt shot, which banked in for three at the buzzer.
Honesdale whittled the lead to just four points at intermission and tied the score twice midway through the second half.
Abby Rickard sparked the Lady Hornets on several occasions. The senior sharpshooter drained a pair of long treys and also swished two foul shots.
Down to the Wire
Honesdale’s trademark high-pressure defense began paying dividends down the stretch.
The Lady Hornets are one of the most improved basketball teams in the entire Lackawanna League...a fact the local lasses proved in no uncertain terms Thursday.
Scranton Prep rolled into the Maple City for a Division One clash with the Red & Black. The last time these two squads met, the Classics dominated from opening tip to final buzzer en route to a 64-36 win.
On Thursday night, however, Coach Tracy Ludwig’s girls were ready. The Lady Hornets went toe-to-toe with Prep and nearly pulled out a huge victory.
Sadly for a big, boisterous hometown crowd, the difference in this one turned out to be Tricia Byrne.
One of the best players in the region, Prep’s sophomore guard rattled the rims for a game-high 24 points in leading the Classics to a 53-49 decision.
“The last time we played them, we got our butts kicked,” Coach Ludwig said. “I am so proud of these girls and how far they’ve come. We gave Prep all they could handle here tonight.”
With this setback, Honesdale’s overall record falls to 13-5. The Lady Hornets are 2-2 in second half Division One action.
Next on the agenda for the Red & Black is a non-league game this afternoon at East Stroudsburg South. Opening tip is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
Hanging Tough
Once again, Kacie Johannes got things rolling for the Lady Hornets.
A versatile junior forward who possesses a deadly accurate jumper, Johannes hit two jays from the corner, then added a pair of free throws. She tallied seven of her team-best 14 points in the first period.
“Kacie has been playing very well in the second half of the season,” said Coach Ludwig. “She’s taking on more of a leadership role out there, too, which I’m really happy to see.”
Katie Miller also turned in a solid effort. The Lady Hornets’ freshman guard contributed 10 points to the cause, including a perfect 4-for-4 stint at the charity stripe.
Prep led 16-11 after one period, thanks in large part to Byrne’s circus halfcourt shot, which banked in for three at the buzzer.
Honesdale whittled the lead to just four points at intermission and tied the score twice midway through the second half.
Abby Rickard sparked the Lady Hornets on several occasions. The senior sharpshooter drained a pair of long treys and also swished two foul shots.
Down to the Wire
Honesdale’s trademark high-pressure defense began paying dividends down the stretch.
The Lady Hornets forced several turnovers early in the fourth quarter, then took the ball right at the Classics offensively.
Morgan Birmelin, who ended her night with nine points was fearless in attacking the basket. The freshman guard drove the lane on successive possessions against Byrne, drawing a pair of fouls and draining all four free throws.
“Morgan really knows how to play this game,” said Coach Ludwig. “Those were my two favorite plays of the game, seeing my little freshman take it right at one of the best players in the league.”
Mary Martin, Katelynn Pfeil and Stacey Hart also made key contributions for the Lady Hornets. Martin scored six points and snared three steals. Pfeil came off the bench to haul down seven boards, while Hart played solid defense and rounded out the scoring with a bucket.
“This is definitely the kind of game we can build on,” said Coach Ludwig. “There aren’t any easy games in the Lackawanna League this year, so that’s helping to prepare us for the challenges ahead.
Score by Quarters...
HON (13-5) 11 11 11 16 - 49
SP (15-4) 16 10 12 15 - 53
