On to Divisionals!

It was a thrilling finish to the semifinal game against the Simms Tigers at the 2023 10C District Basketball Tournament at CMR High School Thursday night! Trailing at the half by a score of 34-23, the Badgers could not seem to put their game plan together as they were missing their shots and victims of steals by an on-fire Tigers team. But during the halftime break, Coach Moore must have worked his magic, because it was a different team that came out for the third quarter. The Badgers came back with a vengeance, coming to within one point of tying the game as the scoreboard read 44-43 at the buzzer. The fourth quarter saw the Badgers electrifying their fan base, whose cheers spurred them on, as they moved ahead of a bewildered Tigers team who must have wondered, "What happened?" Final score was 61-55, Badgers, as they moved to the championship match on Saturday against powerhouse Heart Butte.

Saturday came, and excitement was in the air. The Badgers game against the Warriors was scheduled for 4:30 in the afternoon, and by game time, the stands were packed in anticipation of the showdown between the two top teams. At the tip-off, it was evident that one team came out for blood and was taking no prisoners. Their demeanor seemed like it was meant to intimidate. Not to take anything away from their talent, because they were talented, and maybe this was their game plan all along, because it was working for them. They immediately took the lead and never looked back. First quarter ended 24-16, Heart Butte. They were up 44-20 during halftime, having scored 20 points in the second quarter to only 4 for the Badgers. Again, remembering what had happened Thursday, during Coach Moore's halftime talk to the team, Badger fans expected to see a different team come out for the second half. And that they did. The Warriors scored 19 points to the Badgers 18, the score being 63-38 at the buzzer for the end of the third. In the fourth quarter, the Badgers outscored the Warriors 28-15! But it was too little, too late. (If only we had one more quarter!) Final score, 78-66, Heart Butte. Congratulations to them.

But one could help but be proud of the "never-give-up" attitude that the Badgers displayed as they attempted to climb out of their deep hole, despite the initial deficit. It's a testament to the Badger spirit characteristic of Cascade athletes. So, heads up! On to Divisionals!! GO BADGERS!!!