December 11, 2020 – Cedarburg, WI – The Hartford girls’ basketball team faced off Friday night at Cedarburg in a North Shore Conference match-up.
The Orioles had a fast start scoring the first eight points. Cedarburg eventually evened the score despite the Orioles playing incredibly tenacious defense, forcing steals and turnovers all game.
Both teams played snug defense in the paint but while guarding beyond the arc the teams adopted a “social distance” defensive strategy and many shooters were left wide open in three-point range.
Neither team was consistent with 3-point shooting and the score was tied at halftime, 20 -20.
The Bulldogs dominated play throughout much of the second half, controlling the tempo and taking low-risk shots.
Hartford made a comeback thanks to scrappy defensive play; the team pulled within one point with three minutes remaining.
The Orioles defense prevented the Bulldogs from expanding its lead. Hartford forced critical turnovers and took the lead in the final minute with stellar offensive ball movement ultimately securing win, 48-44.
The Bulldogs had a two-way tie for top scorer with juniors Brandi Matthias and Clare Diener each putting up 14 points while the Orioles top scorer was sophomore Kacy Kratz with 15 points. Seniors Riley Resheske and Maci Meyer each chipped in 10 points for the Orioles.
Hartford will return home to continue conference play against the Grafton Blackhawks on Tuesday December 15 at 7:15 pm.
Cedarburg will remain at home to take on the Port Washington Pirates on December 15 at 7:15 p.m.
