Town proud of Hauser after sectional loss

I attended two of the three Hauser games in the Southwestern Sectional.

In the first game against Waldron, even though we were behind 11-12 in the first quarter, our inside game became dominant. There would not be an upset as we outscored the Mohawks in the next three quarters. The final score was 68-48.

With a family birthday, I could not make the next game against highly ranked Oldenburg Academy. I apparently missed a thriller with us winning 38-37 on a last second shot. (If my memory is correct, we edged out an excellent Oldenburg team a few years ago in a very competitive sectional game.)

Well, we then earned an opportunity to play Morristown for the sectional championship.. My wife and I pulled into the Southwestern parking lot and had to take some time in searching for a parking space. Once inside, we were wondering if we could find a place to sit down due to a very crowded gym. Both schools were well-represented. Once again, I was thinking about how supportive small towns are of their schools.

Would we be able to get by another highly ranked team? It would be an amazing story if we could.

Unfortunately, the Yellow Jackets got off to a great start with the score 0-10 forcing a time out. It was 0-12 before we finally scored. After the first quarter, the score was 8-22.

It is not easy for any team to overcome a 14 point deficit. We pulled within 7 points in the second quarter, 23-30, but were still behind 27-37 at halftime.

Could we find a way to fight our way back in the third quarter? Well, to the credit of all, the Jets were able to pull within six at 33-39. We could not keep the momentum, and the third quarter ended at 42-52. In the fourth quarter, we eventually went to a full-court press after another time out hoping to create some turnovers and quick baskets. We did close the lead to nine, 55-64, but Morristown responded well to the pressure and ended up winning the game 57-71.

Afterward, I was thinking of all the hours put in by the players, coaches, cheerleaders, and parents. Being there as a parent several times with two daughters who cheered, played volleyball, and tennis for Hauser, I am well-aware of the devotion required. You just don't want the season to stop with the sectional, in particular for the seniors. Then again, a good friend recently reminded me that there is a new beginning with each ending.

In closing, I know I speak for many when stating how proud I am of this team and how proud I am to be a member of the Hauser Nation!