Broncs get nada at Natrona

 
The girls didn’t get much to go their way Saturday against the top team in the 4A West, the Natrona Fillies (10-2, 3-0). But they did show up in the second half and refused to go down quietly.
Natrona got out to a 22-0 run off full court pressure and double-team traps in the 1st quarter. It was 35-7 Fillies at the half. But the Lady Broncs did a much better job getting open looks with good ball movement in the final 16 minutes. Too often the half-court offense has stagnated with passing for the sake of passing and no one willing to attempt a dribble drive of any kind.
That seemed to change a little in the second half as the girls loosened up a little and started to create more opportunities for themselves. The bottom line, of course, is getting those shots to fall. So far this season that hasn’t happened with much regularity for Jackson.
Case in point? At one point in the 3rd quarter, Audrey Fouras, who started to feel the game come to her in the second half, dribbled behind her back, then pump faked her defender in the air and attempted a more open shot. She was fouled on the play. All good results if you’re coach Jason Huggins.
Fouras then went to the line to shoot the two freebies she earned and missed them both.
That, in a nutshell, has been Jackson’s season. Work, work, work so hard to get a look, an opportunity…and the buckets just haven’t come from it.
But it’s coming, and maybe the Lady Broncs will peak at the right time in the post season next month.
Karsen Breeding was unavailable to coach Huggins. In her absence, Caroline Fouras and Emma Genzer got more playing time and both made the most of it. Genzer, in particular is becoming a shot-blocking force in the paint. And Caroline is capable of carrying the team for stretches when she gets hot.
The final score was Natrona 68, Jackson 31. Audrey Fouras finished with 16 to lead the ladies. Joanna Smits added a 3-pointer. Gracie Hardeman converted 3 free throws. Emma Genzer, Hyla Chatham, and Caroline Fouras added 2 each. Jacie Chatham finished with 1 point.
Boys also beat
The boys game was a tough one to watch. Whistles galore interrupted any kind of flow, and it was worse if you were a Broncs fan.
Jackson went nearly the entire 1st quarter without a score and trailed 14-2 after the first 8 minutes.
It was Natrona’s defense that gave Jackson fits. The Mustangs feasted on turnovers, converting them into easy baskets while the Broncs players looked dejected most of the game.
The Jackson Five could not chew into a 27-10 Natrona lead at the half, finishing the night with a 60-31 loss.
Freshman growing pains were evident. Jeb Brunner not taking care of the ball, Andrew Hanna just struggling to make shots down low. Gavin Keelin was also held off the scoreboard in Casper.
On the bright side, Sam Lopeman had his best game in a Broncs uniform. His team-high 10 points came in a variety of ways. Lopeman was open all night for the baseline jumper. He managed to knock one of those down from distance. He also battled hard for a couple of buckets in the paint and converted 3 free throws.
Gavin Brunner added 8, Seb Brunner pitched in 5, including a trey. Hanna was good for 3 as was Isaac Larsen. Henry Berezay made two free throws before fouling out.
With the losses, both the boys and girls fall to identical 1-13, 0-4 records. Next up is road games against Star Valley this Friday before Jackson returns home to host Green River on Saturday.
 

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