(Holdingford Game) Tuesday, Feb. 21, Kimball played at Holdingford in what would be a very physical, conference game. By halftime the score was 17-17, as the Cubs struggled to find success offensively. In the second half, the Cubs built a 10-point lead at 35-25 with nine minutes left in the game, and it looked like they were in control. Down the stretch, the Huskers closed the gap as Kimball struggled from the free-throw line (12-30). Holdingford tied the game at 38 with four minutes remaining, but the Cubs took the lead back and prevailed, 44-41, at the final buzzer.
?ÄúWe knew this team would play a physical style to try and neutralize our team?Äôs athleticism, and the game really lacked flow and movement as a result. I do give credit to our players for staying engaged mentally and preserving ?Ķ and finding a way to pull it out by game?Äôs end,?Äù said Coach Jeremy Kuechle. Cubs?Äô Scoring: Kenzie Leither 4; Madison Hurrle 13; Ashley Schindele 11; Katie Merchant 7; Caitlin O?ÄôBrien 4; Erin O?ÄôBrien 5.
(Maple Lake Game) Friday, Feb. 24, Kimball traveled to Maple Lake to face the Irish in the season finale. Cubs?Äô highlights in the first half came from Kenzie Leither, who sparked the offense with (4) three pointers, and helped Kimball take a 34-19 halftime lead. In the second half, Maple Lake crept back and trimmed Kimball?Äôs lead to seven. But Katie Merchant, Caitlin O?ÄôBrien, and Erin O?ÄôBrien played the high-low post connection numerous times to push Kimball?Äôs lead back to double digits and close out a 54-41 win. The Cubs struggled as a team from the free-throw line, making just 8-21 free throws. Caitlin O?ÄôBrien had 6 assists; Leither and Madison Hurrle each had 4 steals; and Hurrle led with 8 rebounds. Kimball finishes the season with a 21-5 overall record (11-3 CMC). The Cubs?Äô first playoff game is Thursday, March 2, in Kimball.
?ÄúI wish we could have extended our lead as we struggled finishing on offense for a stretch and converting at the free-throw line. We were clicking well in the first half, but we lost the momentum for a while, and the Irish fans were loud when they made some plays. It was another gritty win on the road,?Äù Coach Kuechle said. Cubs?Äô Scoring: Kenzie Leither 12; Madison Hurrle 7; Ashley Schindele 10; Katie Merchant 15; Caitlin O?ÄôBrien 4; Erin O?ÄôBrien 6.