Exeter girls hoops finds rhythm late in season

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

The Exeter girls basketball team faced a season defined by adversity, but that did not stop the Lady Tigers from turning in a campaign to remember.

“I feel like we had a hard time getting some momentum going this year,” Young said. “We had some really good games, then the next game would just feel like a disaster. Coming back from Christmas break, we lost the first five games in a row. So it took us a while to get momentum going. Madison Brattin broke her collarbone the third game of the season, and was out eight weeks, which left me with six players. We added five girls to the team over Christmas break to be able to have enough to play. Then one of my starters, was dealing with an illness and ended up in the hospital. So, needless to say we had to overcome quite a few obstacles this season.”

Despite the challenges, Exeter found its rhythm late in the year, punctuated by a 41-37 Class 1, District 4 championship win over Wheaton.

“February is when things finally started coming together and everyone was on the same page,” Young said. “Everyone was finally healthy and understanding their role for the team.”

Free-throw shooting and overall scoring efficiency proved to be key areas that limited the team’s success.

“There were multiple games that we lost simply because we could not make free throws,” Young said. 

One of the season’s standout performances came on the road against Northeast Vernon County.

“Besides the obvious answer — the district championship game — the Northeast Vernon County game stands out,” Young said. “First of all, it’s a two-hour drive just to get there, which makes it harder for us to get warmed up and ready to play usually. But, we had a great night. Shea Hilburn had 35 points, including seven 3-pointers, Beatriz Alcaraz had 18 points. As a team, we had 28 steals, 29 deflections, and shot 53% from the free-throw line.”

Leadership from the senior class played a critical role throughout the season.

“Seniors Shea Hilburn and Honesty Hall were my captains, and both started the entire season,” Young said. “Without them, we could not have had any success this season. Shea shines on the offensive end, and Honesty on the defensive end. Honesty’s defense was like night and day compared to last season. 

“Shea scored her 1,500th point against Seneca. We were hoping she would make it to 2,000 but she ended the season with 1,841 career points.”

Losing only the two seniors, Exeter will return a core group of players heading into next season.

“I will have two freshman coming in, so we should have about the same numbers,” Young said. “I will return three starters in Jaylee Hawkins, Beatriz Alcaraz and Breely Wills. I am hoping someone will step up over the summer to fill the two open spots.”

Young said recounting the season, the team met most of its preseason goals.

“My goal was 15 wins, a district championship, and Shea to score her 1,500th point,” Young said. “I would say two out of the three goals being achieved would be considered success. Overall, I am happy with what we achieved and proud of each and every girl on the team. Everyone showed improvement throughout the season.”

The Lady Tigers finished the season with a 12-16 record.

Looking ahead, improvement and offseason work will be critical, Young said.

“I am still hoping to have a 15-win season,” she said. “We have big shoes to fill from the loss of the two seniors before next season gets here. Summer games and workouts are going to be very important this year. We are going to have to put in the work if we want to see good results next season. I am hoping Bobbi Hall or Kahlan Fuller can put in the work over the summer to fill the post position we will need filled. 

“Sophomore Ava Aldridge and the two freshman coming in, Jasia Lokot and Zanna Jones, may have to learn to play positions they have never played before — only time will tell.”

Exeter’s season came to a close in the round of 16 of the Class 1 state tournament, falling to Walnut Grove, 63-30.