By Stephanie Zwick
Photos by Teresa O’Dwyer
limonsports.smugmug.com/2025-2026-Basketeball/2026-GBB-vs-McClave
https://limonsports.smugmug.com/2025-2026-Basketeball/2026-GBB-vs-Crowley
https://limonsports.smugmug.com/2025-2026-Basketeball/2026-GBB-vs-Merino
The Lady Badgers faced a demanding stretch of basketball this week, squaring off against last year’s 1A State Champions—the McClave Cardinals—before hitting the road for a nail-biter with Crowley County and wrapping up with a tough home game against the Merino Rams. Local fans were treated to a rollercoaster of emotion, packed with hard-fought defense, flashes of offensive brilliance, and inspiring moments from seasoned leaders and up-and-coming talent alike.
The action kicked off on January 22 as the Badgers took on the formidable McClave Cardinals, a team renowned for their aggressive defense and sharp ball movement. Right from the opening tip, the Lady Badgers found themselves in a defensive struggle, battling to keep pace. Chloe Stone, one of the team’s reliable guards, contributed four points in the first quarter, while forward Bryan Malcom added two. However, the Badgers could only muster six points in the opening frame as they worked tirelessly to break through McClave’s relentless press.
Despite their defensive hustle, the Badgers found themselves outmatched by the Cardinals’ offense. McClave’s crisp passing and well-executed plays resulted in an imposing 20-point first quarter. Even with clear effort on the defensive end, the Badgers were forced to play catch-up from the start.
As the second quarter unfolded, the Badgers fought to keep pace. Malcom stayed aggressive in the paint, tacking on another four points, and center Audra Kollath chipped in two. Still, McClave continued to control the game, adding 17 more points and building a commanding 38–12 lead by halftime. Though outscored, the Badgers refused to hang their heads, determined to keep battling until the final whistle.
Coming out of halftime, the Lady Badgers began settling in offensively. Kollath, Richardson, Malcom, Stone, and Mellott each found ways to contribute, combining for 10 points in the third quarter. Their improved ball movement and energy showed a team unwilling to back down, but McClave maintained their advantage, keeping the Badgers at arm’s length.
In the fourth quarter, with the outcome largely determined, the Badgers gave valuable minutes to younger players like Tinley Willinger and Paige Denne. Both made the most of their opportunity, each scoring a basket, and Denne also knocked down a free throw for a total of five points in the period. Meanwhile, the Badgers’ defense held the Cardinals to just seven points—an encouraging finish to a difficult game. Ultimately, McClave secured a decisive 64–27 victory, but the Badgers’ effort set a tone for the week ahead.
With little time to reflect on the loss, the Lady Badgers packed up and traveled to Crowley County for their next test—a showdown with the fast, physical Chargers. The quick turnaround demanded resilience and focus as the team looked to bounce back.
From the first whistle, it was clear this game would be a battle. The Badgers took a few minutes to shake off the previous night’s defeat, but soon found their rhythm. Guard Sydney Richardson, a steady presence on the court, joined teammates Coonts and Denne in scoring early baskets, helping the Badgers notch their first six points. Crowley County responded with a strong 16-point first quarter, putting the Badgers on their heels.
Momentum shifted dramatically in the second quarter. The Badgers found their groove, moving the ball with confidence and breaking through the Chargers’ press. With clear vision and composure, they repeatedly found open teammates near the basket. Kollath, Richardson, Malcom, and Stone all contributed to the scoring run, but it was Richardson’s aggressive drives and success at the free-throw line that ignited her team. The Badgers racked up 18 points in the period, while their defense limited the Chargers to just eight. As the halftime buzzer sounded, the game was tied at 24–24, sparking a surge of excitement from the crowd and the bench.
The third quarter delivered even more excitement. The Badgers maintained their composure and continued to move the ball efficiently, consistently breaking through Crowley County’s press. Kollath and Pedersen contributed key baskets, and Malcom, Stone, and Coonts each added to the tally. The highlight came when Peterson drained a clutch three-pointer, electrifying the bench and sending a wave of energy through the crowd. Defensively, the Badgers held firm, giving up just 12 points despite a few deep shots from the home team.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, tension in the gym reached a fever pitch. Richardson, Malcom, Stone, Coonts, Ravenkamp, and Mellott all made crucial plays in the closing minutes. The Chargers kept things close, attacking the basket and converting 10 out of 13 free throw attempts. In the final seconds, the Badgers clung to a razor-thin 54–53 lead. They stayed poised, avoided unnecessary fouls, and made smart decisions on both ends of the floor. The last moments showcased their grit and teamwork, with the Badger bench and even the boys’ team on their feet, celebrating every hard-fought steal or turnover. When the final buzzer sounded, the Lady Badgers emerged with a thrilling one-point victory, 54–53—a testament to their resilience and determination.
Fresh off their hard-fought win, the Lady Badgers returned home to host the Merino Rams on January 24. Facing Merino is always a tough assignment, but the Badgers were determined to finish the week strong, relying on their trademark defense and team-first mentality.
From the opening tip, it was clear the Lady Badgers were in for an uphill battle. While their scoring has been inconsistent this season, the team consistently compensates with aggressive attempts at steals and rebounds, always playing hard-nosed defense. The Rams, however, came out firing, putting up an impressive 39 points in the first quarter. For the Badgers, Chloe Stone scored the only field goal, while Sydney Richardson sank four free throws and Emma Coonts added one more. The Rams’ stifling defense made every possession a challenge for the home team.
The second quarter brought a slight slowdown in pace, but the Badgers still managed just four points—two from Mariah Ravenkamp and two free throws by Stone. On the other end, the Badgers’ defense showed improvement, holding the Rams to 14 points, including a pair of three-pointers. At halftime, the Badgers trailed 53–11 but continued to fight.
After the break, the scoring struggles persisted for the Badgers despite numerous attempts. Emma Coonts was the lone scorer in the third quarter. Nevertheless, the Badgers’ defensive grit was on display as they held the Rams to just nine points during that stretch.
The fourth quarter provided opportunities for the team’s younger players to shine. Tinley Willinger hit a beautiful three-pointer, Mariah Ravenkamp added a basket, and Maddie Rushing joined the scoresheet with a basket of her own, giving the Badgers seven points in the final period. Perhaps most impressively, the defense limited Merino to just four points in the quarter. Despite all their hard work and a never-quit attitude, the Lady Badgers ultimately fell to the Rams, 65–20.
This week’s slate of games highlighted the Lady Badgers’ determination, adaptability, and team-first mentality. Standout performances from Sydney Richardson, whose second-quarter spark fueled a dramatic comeback, and Peterson’s timely three-pointer in the Crowley County win, were pivotal. Younger players gained valuable experience, and the entire squad fed off the energy in the gym and each other’s encouragement. While the results weren’t always in their favor, the Lady Badgers demonstrated heart, hustle, and the spirit to compete with the best. As the season continues, they remain a team fans won’t want to miss—making every contest an event to remember.
Looking ahead, the Badgers face a challenging NBA-style stretch on the road. First, they’ll travel to Simla to take on the tough Cubs on Tuesday, January 27, with games beginning at 5:00 p.m. Next, they head to Las Animas to battle the Trojans on January 30, with tip-off set for 3:00 p.m. The week wraps up with a trip to Deer Trail, where the Badgers will take on the Eagles on January 31, also starting at 3:00 p.m. It’s a demanding schedule, but the Badgers are ready to rise to the challenge.
