JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Lady Broncs picked up their second win of the season after a dogfight with the Evanston Red Devils Saturday in Jackson.
Jackson controlled the play for much of the first half thanks to forward Bella Gwilliam who had her way in the paint against the 6-1 Stacia Barker, scoring 12 of her 17 points in the second quarter alone. Her play, as well as a buzzer-beating three from Audrey Fouras (how big would that bucket turn out to be?), helped the Lady Broncs to a 22-17 lead at the half.
But Zocia Nowakowski and Amber Lowe brought the Devils storming back with 18 points in the 3rd quarter to tie it a 35-35 and make a nail-biter of the remaining eight minutes. The Devils’ full-court press gave Jackson fits as they had trouble getting out of double-team traps and committed turnover after turnover.
With Gwilliam fouled out midway through the 3rd, the Lady Broncs had to look for scoring elsewhere and it came in the form of the Hardeman sisters. Senior shooting guard Hailey Hardeman hit a big three in the third. Freshman Gracie Hardeman saved her only points of the game for when they counted most. Her five points in the 4th quarter were huge, including an eventual board and bucket game winner.
The Lady Broncs hung on for the final seconds after Hardeman’s putback gave Jackson a 46-45 lead. Hailey added a free throw to seal the deal at a 47-45 final.
Jackson is now 2-11 overall, 1-2 in conference.
Boys burned by red-hot Devils
Evanston hit Jackson on an emotional high after knocking off Star Valley on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from senior Dawson Crofts Thursday night. Crofts was held in check for the most part by Jackson, allowed 13 points on the afternoon, but the Broncs had no answer for the 6’6” center Mason Ellingford, who was unstoppable enroute to a 22-point game.
With Colter Dawson unavailable, Jackson had few options to post down low on Ellingford. Aidan Walker, the 6’4” junior drew the assignment for the most part with help later from Riggs Turner when Walker needed a blow.
Silas Wotkyns led Broncs scorers with 15. Evan Brunner chipped in 9, Gavin had 7. For Evanston, 11 of their 12 boys who saw playing time made the scoresheet, as the Red Devils spread the scoring around in a balanced manner.
The 59-39 loss is Jackson’s 13th on the season without a win.
