The Harwood Union girls’ varsity basketball team experienced a challenging stretch of three games in mid-January, with two tough losses and a hard-earned home victory.
Harwood opened the stretch with a 47–41 win over Lyndon on January 16 in a tightly-contested game that remained close through three quarters. The Highlanders led 10–8 after one, 18–17 at halftime, and 29–28 after three before making key adjustments late. Maddie Grace Ryley led all scorers with 22 points while adding five rebounds and two steals. Adelaide Chalmers followed with 13 points and four rebounds, while Kendra Rocheleau and Liv Kielich each contributed four points.
“It was a back-and-forth game most of the game,” said Harwood head coach Tommy Young. “We made some adjustments going into the fourth on defense, which helped us get a little separation.”
Ryley’s shooting and rebounding played a role down the stretch, while Chalmers was perfect from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter, converting all 12 of her attempts.
“Adelaide Chalmers was nine of 12 from the free-throw line,” Young said. “All 12 of them came in the fourth quarter and were obviously huge in the win.”
Harwood followed the win with an away game loss to Thetford Academy on January 19, falling 40–28 in a game that remained close through three quarters. The teams were tied 9–9 after one and 16–16 at halftime, with Thetford holding a 28–22 edge entering the fourth. Adelaide Chalmers, Ryley, and Roanha Chalmers each scored between eight and nine points to lead Harwood.
“It was a back-and-forth game and they were able to pull away in the fourth quarter especially,” Young said. “They made some shots, and we struggled to shoot tonight.”
Harwood shot 5-of-35 from the field. “We shot five of 35 or 14% from the field that makes it hard to win any game but the kids are taking good shots so we’ll live with it and move onto the next game,” Young said.
On January 23, Harwood traveled to Lake Region and lost 52–34. Lake Region jumped out early, leading 13–4 after one quarter and 27–14 at halftime. Adelaide Chalmers paced Harwood with 14 points and six rebounds, while Roanha Chalmers added 11 points.
“We had a hard time getting off the bus tonight,” Young said. “Give Lake Region a lot of credit they play with a lot of energy.”
Despite the slow start, Harwood showed determination after the break. “We found the energy in the second half and I appreciate the effort and not giving up,” Young said.
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