Game Report: Hinton VS Cherokee Washington

Ending the regular season with an undefeated record is an incredible accomplishment throughout the high school season. It takes determination, like minded goals, commitment, and production at a steady rate for months on end. The Hinton Blackhawks accomplished this feat on Tuesday evening in their 52-49 win over Cherokee Washington at home on Senior Night.   This contest was not one that was for the faint of heart. It was a back and forth battle, that turned out to be one of the best games that we have seen all Winter long. It's one of those that you could call an "instant classic". Hinton started things off in the first quarter with a furry of blows to the Braves, taking an 11 point lead into the second. This is when the Braves slowly started to creep back into the contest. They got things going and within 2-3 points moving into half. In the third quarter, Cherokee Washington came out hot. They really led with their defense, holding Hinton to just 5 points and outscoring them by 12 in the period but the fourth is when Hinton came to play. They ended things on a 19-10 run, eventually pulling away at the buzzer. To say this was a battle might be an understatement. This was an awesome game to spectate with a lot of stars and future stars competing. Below we highlight a handful of those individuals who made a major impact throughout the evening for each program.   Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!    On Tuesday night, the hero of the evening for Hinton was 2026 PG - [player_tooltip player_id='524262' first='Sydney' last='Doeschot']. Doeschot received an inbounds pass off of a free throw make with about 5 seconds left. She took this pass all the way down the floor in a straight line, letting go of a deep three in transition for the game. Once this shot went in, Doeschot turned to her team to celebrate, pumping up everyone in the gym. This didn't only win them team the game, it capped off an undefeated recorded of 20-0 with a conference championship, which only makes it sweeter. Games never come down to one play. No matter what anyone tells you but that doesn't change the fact that this is a shot that Syd is going to remember for the rest of her life. Not to mention that she led the game in scoring with 18.     The opposing star on the visiting team was also at the PG position and that was [player_tooltip player_id='832197' first='Addy' last='Wolfswinkel']. We mentioned Wolfswinkel recently because of the high school season she is putting together for her Sophomore year on the varsity floor. Wolfswinkel is an agile PG, that can create off the dribble and facilitate to open teammates or she can create for herself and get all the way for an open shot in almost any spot offensively. During this contest specifically, Wolfswinkel led her team in scoring with 17, along with grabbing 8 boards and 3 assists. These numbers are solid but weren't enough to get the victory in the end sadly. Now that it's Playoff time, it'll be interesting to see how this group bounces back. Considering they lost to an undefeated team on a buzzer beater from three, I think they will be just fine. Both as a team and as for Wolfswinkel individually.     The main force on the glass in this one for Cherokee Washington was their usual producer in that category in Center, [player_tooltip player_id='833967' first='Deidra' last='Doeden']. Doeden actually recorded 12 points on over 50% shooting, along with rebounding the ball 20 time throughout the evening. Any time someone grabbed 20 rebounds during a regulation game within 32 minutes, it's impressive. Without this effort, you can easily say that the Braves would not of been close in this contest. They also wouldn't be 18-3 this Winter without her play each game. She is someone that other opponents MUST worry about at 6'1. If not, it's a layup line and a blowout for the Braves.     The third main producer in this battle for the Braves was [player_tooltip player_id='1190187' first='Laney' last='Wolfswinkel'] at Forward. Wolfswinkel logged in 7 points on 50% shooting, including going 1/1 from three and 2/4 from the free throw line. This might not seem like much but in a contest that was close the entire time, 7 points makes all the difference. If you were to look at this team on paper, you'd notice that they have 3 main producers each night in most positive statistical categories and both of the Wolfwinkel's are in that conversation. Tuesday evening was no different.     A name we have not mentioned prior to this, but someone that we are going to keep relevant, is the freshman Center/PF for Hinton and that is [player_tooltip player_id='1190186' first='Raelyn' last='Kempema']. Kempema also comes in listed between 6'1/6'2 and she is going to be someone that makes waves at the 2A level over her career. Her natural size, coordination, and future potential is impressive. Next year the Blackhawks will return Doeschot, Creighton Women's Volleyball commit - [player_tooltip player_id='582808' first='Bailey' last='Boeve'], and now Kempema at over 6'1. With good coaching and the right mindset from the athletes, watch out for this team. Not only this upcoming Post Season but for years to come. As it pertains to Tuesday night, Kempema finished with 15 points and 6 boards. What was most impressive to me about this showing is that she was scoring offensively at all three levels. Not just by the hoop like a young and inexperience post player. She was even making shots from three point land and that is going to be very intriguing moving forward.     Another intriguing prospect for Hinton, that is going to be a big piece to their puzzle in trying to win a State Title these next two years is [player_tooltip player_id='1190190' first='Karlyn' last='Kovarna']. Kovarna is a mismatch nightmare in a sense, she has a thorough ability in the assisting and rebounding departments of the game, and her mixture of active hands/feet help her record multiple steals per game. There is a lot to like about Kovarna and the intangibles that she brings to the floor. In this contest Kovarna led her Blackhawks team with 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Two very important numbers in a winning effort.

Ending the regular season with an undefeated record is an incredible accomplishment throughout the high school season. It takes determination, like minded goals, commitment, and production at a steady rate for months on end. The Hinton Blackhawks accomplished this feat on Tuesday evening in their 52-49 win over Cherokee Washington at home on Senior Night.