Oxford, Neb. – Holdrege came to Southern Valley with each team enjoying a three-game winning streak with hopes of keeping those streaks alive. When the dust settled in Oxford, only the boys would see their streak continue. The Duster girls fell 46-21 to a tough and experienced Southern Valley squad. The Duster boys put up big numbers en route to their 77-61 win over the Eagles.
The girls were unable to get off to a good start despite holding Southern Valley standout senior Ann Bose to just four first-half points. Junior Adi Hunt took over in her stead. Hunt was able to pick up plenty of points in the first half, scoring 10. Bose finished with a game-high 17, followed by Hunt’s 16 points.
The Dusters were not without their opportunities, though. They had plenty of open shots but endured an off night offensively. Holdrege could only score nine points before halftime. It was a night where the Dusters just couldn’t get going despite playing hard.
Senior Avery Hurlbert led the team with eight points, and sophomore Emily Stutzman finished with six. Holdrege fell to 7-6 on the year while Southern Valley improved to 13-1.
On the other hand, the Duster boys were able to get their offense going. Holdrege opened up with 40 points in the first half and never let up. They were able to pull away in third quarter and take the lead by as much as 15. Southern Valley took charge late in the quarter and pulled with five at one point.
The three point opportunities opened up for Holdrege after that. Juniors Wyatt Pfeifer and Kegan Steinke combined for four three-pointers in the second half to help the Dusters regain control. They helped Holdrege build a lead from which Southern Valley wouldn’t recover.
Southern Valley sophomore Isaac Hamilton was brilliant from behind the arc and led the Eagles with 20 points. Fellow sophomore Tate Weatherwax was also efficient offensiviely and finished with 14 points.
Holdrege junior Garret Johnson’s 25 points were a game high. Juniors Wyatt Pfeifer and Landon Hartzog were second and third in scoring with 19 and 14 points, respectively.
Holdrege stretched their winning streak to four and are 7-6 on the season. Southern Valley suffered their third-straight loss and fell to 6-7.
The Eagles will host Arapahoe on Thursday, January 18.
The Dusters will welcome the Kearney Catholic Stars to the Duster Dome on Tuesday, January 16. KUVR will have the coverage starting with pregame at 5:45 pm.
