In their last four losses, only a handful of buzzer-beater points stood in the way of the Hackett Jr Hornets and a victory. That kind of disappointment would absolutely break most people’s confidence and drive but not these boys. This group continues to push forward no matter how hard they get pushed back. The Jr Hornets remain relentless in their quest to win and nothing is going to break their spirit. On Monday, January 25, Hackett took a one-point loss to Paris 37-36.
“My Jr High boys lost another tough one Monday night,” explained Coach Kent Elmore. “In the last 3 or 4 games, we have gotten beat at the buzzer. Those types of things unfortunately happen. The good news is that we had a chance to win each of them. We are putting ourselves in a position to win night in and night out. The free-throw line has not been kind to us late in games but it’s not from a lack of effort or reps.”
Cole Ketchum and Eli Slavens were the heavy hitters in their match against the Eagles earning 17 and 16 points respectively. And rounding out the total with a combined 3 points was Wyatt Hester and Dawsyn Clay. “The thing about this Jr high group is that no one wants to win more than they do. They are absolute competitors. They are in every game, we just have to get better at the charity stripe to come away on top. I will never be mad when the energy and effort are there!”
The Jr Hornets are going into Thursday’s match-up with the Waldron Bulldogs with a 9-8 total play record. Hackett took a 31-26 loss to Waldron back on the 14th but this time around, the Hornets aren’t throwing the Bulldogs any more bones!
