Hornell has played some tough teams this past week and had to shut down high-scoring offenses and battle through illnesses.
However, one thing remained constant: Defense and rebounding.
On Monday night, Hornell had it all working, including the offense during a 71-31 win.
Raegan Evingham had 16 points and 16 rebounds to lead Hornell.
The Red Raiders finish the regular season 15-5 and the No. 3 seed behind No. 1 Dansville (16-3), a team Hornell has beaten twice.
“I was really pleased with how we approached tonight’s game. The girls played with great pace, rebounded the ball extremely well, and our defensive intensity created transition opportunities for us. When we’re able to defend, rebound, and push the tempo, we’re at our best,” said Hornell coach Jim Dagon. “Raegan Evingham was crashing the boards with real tenacity, and that doesn’t happen without her teammates doing the work as well. Alexis Smith, Mayleigh Martin, A’Jonay Hawkins, and Alivia Ryder did a great job clearing out the paint with physical box-outs. It’s those types of details — the physicality and effort plays — that turn really good teams into great teams, especially this time of year as you head into the postseason.”
Dagon continued, “Defensively, we did a strong job of disrupting their rhythm and staying connected. Our communication and energy were consistent, and that allowed us to control the game.”
Also for Hornell, Jordyn Dyring scored a game-high 20 points while Mia Nasca had 12, Mayleigh Marin and Teegan Eveland each had seven, Selena Maldonado had four and A’Jonat Hawkins had two.
“Now we have a full week of practice ahead of us, and the focus is on squeezing every drop out of each day so we’re at our best when we step on the floor for our first sectional game,” Dagon added.
