Central City, Neb. – On Friday, Wilcox-Hildreth traveled to Central City’s Bison Dome looking for their second-straight trip to Lincoln. However, Plainview would use a big second quarter to propel them to a 50-38 win over the Falcons.
The first quarter passed fairly quickly with neither team able to get much going offensively. Early fouls and a few breaks for Wilcox-Hildreth kept Plainview from being able to push their over three points. Despite their slow start, the second quarter saw the Pirates use their speed and depth to jump out to a 14-point halftime lead. Junior Katelyn Bunger was also forced to sit with three fouls, adding to the Falcons’ woes.
With renewed determination, Wilcox-Hildreth came out ready to turn the tide in the third quarter. Junior Madison Bunger was a driving force on the low block, helping the Falcons flex their muscles and use their size advantage to prove that they came to play. Plainview began to show some frustration with Madison Bunger’s ability to shoot over their defense while also being able to make life difficult near their own basket. She had several blocks in the second half with earning many of them on single possessions.
Coupled with Madison’s rejuvenated play was fellow junior Cara Bunger’s ability to get to the free throw line. She scored four of the Falcon’s eight second-half foul shot points. Quick passes and some inspired play from freshman Madison Sheen also helped Wilcox-Hildreth erase most of the deficit. Despite their best efforts, the Falcons could only get as close as five points.
Plainview’s quick defense once again took over, severely reducing the number of scoring opportunities for Wilcox-Hildreth. Down the stretch, Plainview senior Abbie Kromarek hit her final four free throws to keep the Falcons at bay. The Pirates were led offensively by senior Teya Boyer with 14 points while Kromarek finished just behind her with 13. Plainview will advance to the D2 State Tournament with a record of 18-6.
Wilcox-Hildreth fell to 16-10 and were paced by Madison Bunger’s 17 points. Cara Bunger scored six followed by sophomore Cheyenne Lieb’s five points.
Head coach Cody Whipkey knows his team was short on players, but not on talent. When Plainview looked like they would cruise to victory, his Falcons buckled down and gave the Wilcox-Hildreth fans plenty to cheer for. The future remains bright for Falcons basketball as they look to reload with no seniors on this year’s team. Expect Wilcox-Hildreth to be right in the mix again next season.
