Chickasaw Girls Rally to Secure First UIC Victory Over TigerHawks

The New Hampton Chickasaw girls’ basketball team achieved their first win in the Upper Iowa Conference (UIC) with a decisive 50-35 victory against the North Fayette Valley TigerHawks on November 14, 2023. After a challenging start, the Chickasaws rallied to dominate the game, marking a successful debut for first-year head coach Kim Kuehner.

Initially, New Hampton struggled to find their rhythm, failing to score their first field goal until just before the end of the first quarter. Caycee Crawford secured the first basket with a well-executed give-and-go play with only 2.5 seconds remaining, leaving the Chickasaws trailing 7-5. Despite the slow offensive start, Kuehner remained optimistic about her team’s defensive performance, stating, “That was defense, 100 percent… It kept it from being really ugly at the start.”

As the second quarter progressed, the Chickasaws found themselves down by eight points, with the TigerHawks leading 13-5. Kuehner attributed the team’s early struggles to nerves, saying, “I think some of it was just the excitement of the first game.” Yet the tide turned when Jordan Throndson hit a jumper, igniting a momentum shift for New Hampton.

The team quickly rallied, with Aleigha Cahoy and Kayme Hackman contributing key baskets, leading the Chickasaws to a 22-13 halftime lead. Kuehner noted that confidence grew significantly among her players as they began to realize their potential on the court. “Those girls just got confident… it just kind of snowballed,” she remarked.

Following the break, the Chickasaws maintained their momentum. Cahoy scored on a steal, extending the lead to 25-13. From that point on, New Hampton maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the second half. The balanced scoring effort was instrumental in the team’s success, with multiple players stepping up when needed.

Crawford led the team with a total of 14 points and six rebounds, showcasing her proficiency at the free-throw line with an impressive 8-for-10 performance. Cahoy added 12 points, five assists, and six steals, while Chloe Weigel contributed eight points, including two crucial three-pointers in the third quarter. Additionally, Jersey Pemble played a vital role in the fourth quarter, scoring all seven of her points to help secure the victory.

Kuehner praised her team’s unselfish play, stating, “We cannot play as a team if we’re not playing for each other. We had a ton of assists and I loved the unselfishness we had tonight.” This teamwork was evident in the assist totals, with Cahoy leading with five, followed closely by Hackman with four.

Hackman, although scoring only four points, made a significant impact with her defensive efforts, recording seven steals and providing essential playmaking throughout the game. Kuehner commended her point guard’s tenacity, saying, “Points aren’t everything, and Kayme proves it. She just never backs down… that’s what we want our team to be all about.”

The final score reflected the Chickasaws’ determination and teamwork, showcasing their potential as they continue their season in the UIC. With their first victory secured, New Hampton looks ahead to future challenges with renewed confidence and a focus on building their game.

Final Score:
North Fayette Valley 35
New Hampton 50

Statistics summary:
– New Hampton shooting: 16-54 (29.6%), Free throws: 13-19 (68.4%)
– Key Players: Crawford 14 points, Cahoy 12 points, Weigel 8 points, Pemble 7 points

As the season progresses, the Chickasaws aim to carry this winning momentum forward, building on their resilience and camaraderie on the court.