Comets’ lead scorer is out with injury
By Jennifer Cesarz
CORRESPONDENT
Playing without leading scorer Kylie Collins, who is out with an injury, the Delavan-Darien High School girls’ basketball team dropped two Southern Lakes Conference games last week.
The Comets lost to Burlington 50-24 and Wilmot 62-42.
Despite the losses, head coach Hank Johnson is pleased with his team’s efforts, especially against conference title winner, Wilmot.
“We lost, but we have to realize that is the best team in our conference, and we improved greatly from the first game to the second,” Johnson said. “We also have to realize in our situation right now wins are great, however, improving as a team is more important.”
“It was a step in the right direction especially right before the playoffs start,” Johnson said.
On Feb. 11 against Burlington, the Comets never found their offensive rhythm and put only 12 points on the board in each half on their way to a 50-24 loss.
Amanda McLernon led the Comets with seven points and three rebounds.
Avery Hembrook added four points and two steals, and Chloe Nieuwenhuis added four points and seven rebounds.
Hosting Wilmot on Thursday, the Comets kept things closer than their first game against the Panthers – a fact that has Johnson encouraged by his team’s efforts.
“I thought against Wilmot, besides the second quarter, we did pretty good,” Johnson said.
Wilmot had a 15-9 first-quarter lead, but built its advantage to 18 at halftime, going up 38-20.
In the third quarter, the Panthers outscored the Comets 12-7, but in the fourth quarter the Comets were able to outscore the Panthers 15-12 before losing, 62-42.
McLernon had 10 points and four steals in the loss, and Jennah Speth and Hayley Severson added six points each.
Severson added five rebounds.
Carrie Getka had five points and two rebounds for the Comets.
Tonight the Comets finish their regular season when they travel to Union Grove for a 7:15 p.m. game.
Tuesday the Comets start Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association regional action when they travel to Fort Atkinson for a 7 p.m. game.
