Lady Cats struggle against state’s top-rated team

CROFTON — Hartington-Newcastle had the unenviable task of taking on the No. 1 team in Class C2 in the opening round of the C2-8 Sub-District Tournament here on Feb. 13.

The Lady Wildcats battled admirably throughout the game before falling, 51-27 to Crofton to end the season with a 10-11 record while the Lady Warriors stayed unbeaten.

“I was very pleased with how we came out and started the game,” Hartington-Newcastle coach Grant Rolfes said. “We knew how good Crofton was coming into the game. They are undefeated for a reason. It would be very easy to come into the game thinking you already lost.”

The Lady Cats did not do that. In fact, HNS trailed by just one after the opening frame and led 16-12 at the break.

“We talked in preparation and in pregame about preparing to win,” Rolfes said. “I thought we came out with an energy to compete, play to win and see what happens. I was very proud of the girls for their mental response to that.”

The Lady Warriors came to life in the second half.

“The second half Crofton really started clicking and when they are hitting on all cylinders they will be a tough team for anyone to beat,” Rolfes said. “In the second half we allowed them the opportunities they want, turnovers and transition points. In the first half we were able to limit those things and that was what kept us in the game. their pressure went up a notch and they were able to take control after the half.”

Control indeed as Crofton outscored the Lady Wildcats 39-11 in the final half to advance in the tournament with the 51-27 final score.

Lauren Howell and Zoey Gratzfeld led a fairly balanced Hartington-Newcastle offensive attack with seven points each. Olivia Grutsch and McKenzie Bruning each added five and Maddie Steffen tossed in three.

Grutsch yanked down eight rebounds while Bruning added six and handed out a couple of assists. Howell had a pair of steals and a blocked shot.

HNS 8 8 5 6 — 27 Crofton 9 3 21 18 — 51

P=Points, R=Rebounds, A=Assists, S=Steals, B=Blocks.

HNS (10-11): Mani Lange 0-0 0-0 0P, 4R, 1A; Lauren Howell 1-4 5-8 7P, 4R, 2S, 1B; Olivia Grutsch 2-2 1-2 5P, 8R 1S; Zoey Gratzfeld 2-7 1-2 7P, 4R; McKenzie Bruning 1-6 3-6 5P, 5R, 2A, 1S; Maddie Steffen 1-9 1-2 3P, 4R; Karli Bruning 0-2 0-0 0P, 1R.