By Chris Bennett
Sports Correspondent
The Waterford Union High School girls basketball team outscored Edgerton 28-20 in the second half and won 42-36 in a non-conference victory Jan. 9 at Edgerton.
Waterford lost 60-34 to Union Grove Jan. 8 in a Southern Lakes Conference game at home. On Friday, the Wolverines fell to conference-leading Wilmot, 57-54. Kayla Brandenburg led the way with 12 points, and Maddy Anderson added 10.
On Saturday night, Waterford fell at home to nonconference foe Kettle Moraine, 56-31.
“We had another tough 1st half,” Waterford coach Dena Brechtl said of the game at Edgerton. “We were down 16-14 going into halftime and just didn’t look very confident with the basketball.”
Brechtl said the Wolverines adjusted their offense at halftime and played stronger in the second half.
“Mackenzie Fry came off the bench to hit two big 3’s for us and play some consistent defense,” Brechtl said. “Ella Hunsucker hit some nice shots and was very aggressive going to the rim.”
Brechtl said she took pride in the Wolverines making adjustments, but said the team must focus on starting stronger.
Waterford played Edgerton (6-4) without point guard Maddy Anderson. Brechtl said junior Athena Zuelke played well in Anderson’s absence.
“With some good team defense and solid ball pressure we were able to have a great second half and roll on to a much-needed victory,” Brechtl said.
Hunsucker led the Wolverines with 14 points. Kayla Brandenburg scored 13. Anna Farrington led Edgerton with 13 points.
Waterford suffered a rough first half against Union Grove (9-3, 5-1 SLC) and trailed 36-14 at halftime.
“We didn’t turn the ball over much, but we didn’t knock down shots or look very confident with the ball,” Brechtl said. “They are a more aggressive team, with many offensive weapons. That also became challenging on the defensive end.”
Brechtl said at halftime she challenged her team to be more fearless on offense and also increase their intensity on defense. Waterford heeded Brechtl’s advice, but could not overcome a 20-point plus deficit.
“It was too late for any big swing at that point,” Brechtl said. “Definitely a game to learn from. Our second half showed that we are more capable than we sometimes give ourselves credit for.”
Union Grove, which is in second place in the SLC, outscored the Wolverines 24-20 in the second half.
Hunsucker led Waterford with seven points. Hannah Tuska added five. Brooklyn Bull led Union Grove with 11 points.
Waterford hosts Racine Horlick tonight and returns to Southern Lakes Conference action Friday at Elkhorn.
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