Minden, Neb. – The Minden Whippets once again showed everyone why they’re one of the top teams in girls C-1 basketball after defeating the Dusters home Thursday night in the C1-10 subdistrict finals. Holdrege fought hard but couldn’t overcome an athletic, quick, and lengthy Minden defense falling 43-24.
The two very familiar rivals found themselves battling it out in Minden after Holdrege upset Broken Bow two nights earlier. Despite their best efforts, the Dusters (12-11) weren’t able to put together another exceptional night. The Whippets (19-3) held Holdrege to just one three-pointer all night as if they were able to live on the perimeter.
Holdrege senior Avery Hurlbert had other plans to counteract the Minden defensive strategy. She forced her way to the hoop several times and most likely earned some more battle scars. The Whippets sent the determined Hurlbert to the floor on a number of occasions, and she was rewarded with six trips to the free throw line. Hurlbert earned seven of her 13 points from the stripe.
The Dusters had their struggles offensively but were able to move the ball fairly well in their half-court sets. Senior Kenna Fulmer was also able to get some shots to fall finishing with seven points.
Minden was able to spread the ball around throughout the game allowing all five starters to earn buckets. Junior Kinsie Land and sophomore Myla Emery led the Whippets with 12 points each, followed by another gritty performance from junior Mattie Kamery with 10. Minden earned the fifth seed in the C1 district finals. They host Milford on Friday, February 23.
In the end the Dusters finished the 2023-2024 season with a 12-11 record. It was another season of growth with the occasional letdown followed by moments that remind any fan why these athletes are so special. Holdrege fans were able to watch three seniors perform at a high ability. Hurlbert was on every coach’s watchlist when the Dusters were on the schedule. Fulmer selflessly took a step back on offense to do a lot the most important things that don’t show up on a stat sheet. Morgan Pfeifer fought off a nagging knee injury to return to the lineup and start the second half of the season. She was also there to do the “dirty work”.
While the season will not continue for Holdrege, and the Duster faithful will say goodbye to this group of seniors, another lasting legacy has been added to annals of Holdrege Duster Basketball.
