December 16, 2021 – Slinger, WI – In one of the last games before the Christmas break both Slinger and Hartford girls basketball teams were determined to make a statement win.
The game started fairly even between the two conference rivals, however after a handful of missed shots by Hartford, Slinger would go a scoring binge. The Owls never relinquished this advantage and built a strong offensive attack, capitalizing on Hartford’s mistakes (turnovers and especially fouls) and their own three-point shooting.
Slinger controlled the game and led 38-26 at the half.
The three-point shooting was a primary source of offense for both teams, especially Hartford in the second half, who made most of its threes in the second half, preventing Slinger from truly pulling away with a victory early.
While the game was decided in the paint, where both teams were physical and effective, Slinger was given more chances at the free-throw line going 15 of 23 and taking advantage of miscues from Hartford’s offense.
The Orioles got a decent number of chances at the free-throw line too, going 11 for 19, which along with their increase three-point production and defensive adjustments allowed them to cut Slinger’s lead to six points with just under six minutes to go.
Unfortunately for Hartford that would be as close as they would get, as Slinger clamped down defensively and maintained its offensive momentum to win 76-63.
Junior Mallory Hoitink led the Owls scoring 22 points, including a team high 4 three-pointers.
Hartford was led by freshman Makena Christian who had 30 points, including 3 three-pointers and going 5 for 7 at the free-throw line. Junior Kacy Katz also contributed 22 points for the Orioles.
Slinger (7-1, 4-1) will face off against West Bend East (1-6, 1-3) next, on Tuesday December 21, 2021, at 7:15 p.m. Hartford (3-4, 3-2) will play its next game at home against a non-conference foe, Fond du Lac on Saturday December 18, 2021, at 4:30 p.m.