Heartland faced adversity, but still gave all they could in the District final against Friend Friday night. Their effort fell just short and they ended their season in a 35-39 loss and a season record of 14-12.
The game started out by Bailey Carr not being in the starting line-up due to illness. She had been starting the last few games because Ashton Kroeker tore her ACL and is awaiting surgery. This was an unanticipated adjustment for the Huskies. They had a hard time working with the new lineup and only scored one point in the first quarter.
The team started to make a few sparks here and there. Carr made a courageous effort by coming into the game in the second half. Even being ill, she worked hard and made a huge difference in the game. Sara Brune was also forced off the floor after taking a hit and falling to the ground, but returned to the court and finished the game with 11 points.
The Huskies were down 9 to 23 to finish the first half, but made quite a comeback in the second. They showed heart and determination to close the gap and make the game come down to the wire.
It was Mikaelyn Dick who went all-in in the second half and did what she could offensively to change the game. She hit a big three pointer when it was needed most and finished the night with game high 16 points.
The Huskies pulled within four points with just minutes left in the game. It was a tough loss and things just did not fall in the Huskies’ favor when the buzzer sounded. It was hard for both Huskie players and fans alike to watch, but there is no doubt that the Heartland Community is proud of the team and their success this season. Seniors, Brielle Van den Berg and Miranda Janzen will be missed next season, but the team will be back with vengeance to work hard towards a State Tournament chance returning four of five starters.
Congratulations Lady Huskies on a fun year. To listened the Huskies’ final game, go to the Huskie Sports Network at HeartlandBeat.com and you will be able to listen to it.
Girls Basketball: Heartland vs Friend
Heartland Huskies (14-12) –  1   8   11   15  –  35
Friend Bulldogs (23-3)Â – Â 9 Â Â 14 Â Â 6 Â Â 10 Â – Â 39
Huskie Scorers: M. Dick 16, S. Brune 11, B. van den Berg 4, M. Janzen 2
Bulldog Scorers: T. Menke 11, A. Ryan 11, C. Johnson 7, C. Stutzman 3, D. Stutzman 3, A. Rohrig 2, M. Coffey 2
Photos Courtesy of Deb Mierau
