Hoyleton/Grand Prairie Thundercats Win Ashley Tournament

By Brent Huelsmann

The Hoyleton/Grand Prairie Thundercats girls baskeball team began their season against Hoffman on October 26 in the Ashley Tournament. The Thundercats took control of the game early scoring 14 points in the first quarter, outscoring Hoffman 14-4. The Thundercats did not let up extending their lead throughout the second quarter to take a 24-10 lead at halftime.

The second half was all Thundercats as Hoffman could not find an offensive rhythm. The Thundercats scored in double digits in every quarter of the game. Hoyleton/Grand Prairie would go on to win the game 50-20.

The scoring for the Thundercats was balanced in the game as only one Hoyleton/Grand Prairie player scored in double digits. Carlie Barban was the leading scorer with 12 points for the Thundercats. Sydney Schnitker scored 8 points in the game. Emily Schnitker, Lilly McKinney, and Lilly Taft each scored 6 points for Hoyleton/Grand Prairie. Taylor Stark and Allie Jade Zalos each scored 4 points in the game while Kirsten Twenhafel and Madi Draege each scored 2 points to round out the scoring for the Thundercats.

The Hoyleton/Grand Prairie Thundercats continued their play in the Ashley Tournament as they took on Ashley on October 28. Each team was evely matched early in the game as the game was tied at 4 at the end of the first quarter. The Thundercats took the lead at halftime, outscoring Ashley 8-4 in the second quarter. Ashley came out in the second half and were able to shrink the Thundercats lead to just two points going into the fourth quarter. Each team had their best scoring quarter in the fourth, but Hoyleton/Grand Prairie was able to come out on top winning the game 29-24.

Leading the way for the Thundercats in the game was Carlie Barban with 10 points. Sydney Schnitker was second on the team with 8 points for the Thundercats followed by Emily Schnitker with 5. Taylor Stark chipped in 4 points in the game and Lilly McKinney added 2 points to round out the scoring.

The Thundercats were back in action in the Ashley Tournament as they took on Willow Grove. Hoyleton/Grand Prairie started off slow in the game scoring only 2 points in the first quarter. The Thundercats got going in the second quarter outscoring Willow Grove 8-2, taking a 10-8 lead into halftime. The Thundercats came out on fire scoring 13 points in the third quarter alone to take a 23-16 lead going into the fourth. The Thundercats cruised from there winning the game 31-20.

The Thundercats were led by Sydney Schnitker with 11 points in the game. Carlie Barban scored 9 points in the game followed by Emily Schnitker with 7. Allie Jane Zalos and Taylor Stark each added 2 points to round out the scoring.

The Thundercats then moved onto the championship game taking on Spring Garden on October 30. The Thundercats fell behind early in the game being outscored 11-4 in the first quarter. Hoyleton/Grand Prairie fought back slighty trimming the lead before halftime. At halftime the Thundercats were down 16-11. The teams came out evenly in the third with neither team taking the advantage. The Thundercats stormed back in the fourth quarter outscoring Spring Garden 17-9 to win the game and the championship 34-33.

Leading the way for the Thundercats was Sydney Schnitker with 12 points in the game. Carlie Barban also reached double figures for Hoyleton/Grand Prairie with 10 points. Emily Schnitker added 8 points in the game, and Taylor Stark added 4 points to round out the scoring.

The Thundercats will continue their season November 5 against Bethel Mt. Vernon on November 5.

Back row: head coach Kevin Meyer, Taylor Stark, Kirsten Twenhafel, Carlie Barban, Sydney Schnitker, AllieJade Zalos, Asst coach Jim Draege. Front row: Lilly Taft, Emily Schnitker, Madi Draege, Lilly McKinney, Ava Draege