Lady Broncs bedevil Evanston

Riding high off their second win of the season last week, the Lady Broncs notched another at home, 51-47, on senior night. Jackson got sweet revenge Saturday against Evanston—a team that embarrassed Jackson back in January by a 48-16 score.
Evanston coach Jeremy Fessler was worried about the Lady Broncs’ physicality coming in. He described Jackson’s play as “scrappy,” even “ugly” at times in getting opponents to play their brand of game.
To be fair, the Lady Red Devils were without their top player Stacia Barker. The 6’2” junior is coming off an injury and was rested for the final regular season game. Evanston got a big game out of her cousin, Mia Barker (12 points, 8 rebounds), but the Jackson ladies were able to persevere.
Jackson used the emotional momentum of senior night pregame tributes to jump out to a 13-7 lead after the 1st quarter.
Coach Jason Huggins dialed up a game plan that included pounding the rock inside to Gracie Hardeman. Without Barker, Evanston still had the 6-foot Emily Sawyer whose shot-blocking prowess allowed her to get the best of Hardeman on occasion. But not often enough.
Hardeman put the team on her shoulders in the game’s final minutes when the Lady Broncs lost their lead for the first time and a hero was needed. Hardeman’s down low post work and Brooklyn Hills’ pesky defense helped Jackson salt away the 4-point victory.
Speaking of Hills, the junior had her best game ever. More floor time in the absence of Melissa Kussy and Jacie Chatham—both out with injuries—has boosted her confidence. In addition to her tenacious defense, Hills ball-handling has improved. She is now creating offense off of aggressive dribble drives.
Audrey Fouras, easily the team’s most fluid athlete, continues her vital role as sharp-shooter. Her threat from distance draws out defenses, creating more room inside. Collapse to the cylinder, Fouras will drop dimes until she’s challenged. Come out to get a hand in her face, her mates will exploit the down low post.
Karsen Breeding continues her meteoric progression on the varsity team. At 6-feet, the steady freshman is expected to rebound and get her points from the paint. But Breeding is adding elements to her game every week. Playing more on the perimeter, Breeding has shown a decent jump shot. She has also been aggressive in getting to the basket, drawing fouls and racking up many of her points from the free throw line.
And then there’s Joanna Smits. She’s an instinctual player. Her basketball acumen is off the charts. Her vision and ability to get the ball into the hands of the open player are invaluable. She guards well, rebounds well, and always seems to be there when a teammate needs an outlet when trapped.
Hardeman, Breeding, and Fouras all finished with 13 points. Hills added 5, Caroline Fouras 4, and Smits 3.
The win improves the Lady Broncs record to 3-15 overall, 1-5 in quadrant, tying Evanston’s 1-5 record. According to Evanston play-by-play man Elan Olliff, Evanston holds the tie-breaker by virtue of their win over Rock Springs where Jackson lost to the Lady Tigers. If true, Jackson would begin the postseason as the #4 seed facing Green River (13-4, 6-0) at 1pm on Thursday, March 4.
Boys lose another close one
The last time these two teams matched up, Evanston needed late-game heroics from Burke Thomas to escape with a 51-49 victory. It was nearly a carbon copy in Jackson, with the Broncs losing another squeaker 55-51 to the Red Devils.
On senior night Saturday, it was a freshman who stole the show for Jackson. Sebastian Brunner scored 25 to lead all Broncs. Brother and senior Gavin added 7. Gavin Keelin was good for 6 and Andrew Hanna pitched in 4.
The loss drops the Broncs to 1-17, 0-6 on the season. The boys will begin regional playoffs in Afton against the Star Valley Braves (12-6, 6-0) on March 4 at 1pm.
 

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