The Waldron Lady Bulldogs saw their season come to a close at the hands of the Lady Hornets of Hackett Monday evening in the opening round of the 2022 3A-4 District Tournament. Hackett captured the victory by a score of 48-32 at Cedarville High School to end the Lady Bulldog’s season. Waldron found themselves in a hole early, as Hacket raced out to a 17-7 advantage after the first period. Much like the entire season, the Lady Dogs did not go away easily scoring seven points in the 2nd quarter, with Hailey Stidman netting three points and an aggressive Molly Richmond adding four points. The defensive intensity was evaluated to start the second half as the Lady Dogs applied full court man to man pressure which cause Hackett to turn the ball over three consecutive trips, while also earning several attempts at the free-throw line. Entering the final period, Waldron had managed to cut the deficit to single digits with a chance to tighten the game even further, but the Dogs left some key free throws at the line and never could quite pull ahead. Hackett advanced to the 2nd round, as Waldron saw their season come to a close.
Leading the Lady Dogs in scoring was senior Bianca Hinojosa, who finished the night with 9 points and 8 rebounds, senior Hailey Stidman added another 8 points and 8 rebounds, and senior Molly Richmond threw in 4 points and 9 rebounds. Aaliyah Escoffier scored a game-high of 16 points with 5 rebounds and Teonna Best had 13 points and 5 rebounds as well for Hackett.
 Waldron did not have the record they had hoped for but battled through several obstacles. Coaching change, COVID, and injuries all played a part in the make-up of this year’s squad. “These girls have been through a lot; we had a great summer of practice and preparation but was bitten by the injury bug and suffered lots of illnesses throughout the season. Just never could quite get rolling,” Coach Tracie Adams went on to say. In several contests this season the Lady Dogs either had a lead in the second half or was within striking distance and never could get over that hump.
“Lady Bulldog This Year: Lady Bulldogs did not grab many scoreboard wins in 2021-22 season, but what they did achieve was recognizing even when you have played the game of your life, it is the feeling of teamwork that you will remember. You will forget the plays, the shots, and the scores, but you will never forget your teammates. Of course, there will always be those heartbreaking losses and underdog wins that will stick with us forever, but the bonds we form will be some of the greatest relationships in our lives. The last game of the year for anyone is tough, for our team it was no different. The Lady Bulldogs dropped their final game of the season to Hackett Lady Hornets in the district tournament. Our seniors left all they had on the floor that night. These three girls were positive leaders and role models. They will definitely be missed!”
