Both the girls and boys basketball teams started substate with wins, keeping their seasons alive and moving one step closer to state.
The girls team pulled off a major upset in the first round, beating Clearwater 27-23.
“I’m really happy for our team that we pulled off the upset,” freshman Edyn Mettling said. “I don’t think a lot of people expected a 15 seed to beat a 2 seed. This is a big accomplishment, and I’m really happy for the girls and coach Bodyk.”
The win was a major achievement for the team, showing that hard work and preparation can overcome tough odds. It gave the squad confidence heading into the next round of the tournament.
“I’m super excited because this gives us a new chance to win and go further than we have in a very long time,” junior Briar Licklighter said. “However, I am upset knowing that this season might come to an end sooner rather than later.¨
Advancing in the tournament meant the team continued to face tough competition. The players knew they would need to stay focused and rely on teamwork to continue their run.
¨I’m very excited. I’m looking forward to it, and hopefully we can play great Friday,¨ sophomore Taylor Osborn said.
With the next game approaching, preparation and focus became the top priorities. The team worked to refine strategies and keep their energy high for another challenging matchup.
Players from the boys team also reflected on their win and the hard work that led to it.
¨I feel great about it. Sophomore Brice Martin said, ¨It’s been a long year with a lot of hard practices, so it feels really good to see it pay off and have the chance to go far in the state.¨
The boys win reflected the effort and dedication put in all season. Long practices and perseverance finally paid off in a moment that could carry momentum forward.
“It feels good, especially whenever we went on that losing stretch. It feels good to be winning again,” senior Brecken Albert said.
Despite the excitement and momentum from their first-round wins, both teams saw their seasons come to an end in the next round of substate. The girls fell to Concordia with a final score of 44–30, while the boys fought hard but came up short against Andale, losing 49–43. Even though the season did not end the way they had hoped, both teams showed determination, resilience and teamwork.
