Bartlett bounces back, pounds E. Aurora
The sun did rise Saturday morning.
And with it the Bartlett girls basketball team acknowledged its wake up call and used East Aurora to let everyone know there’s a renewed sense of purpose among the Hawks.
After losing for the first time this season Friday night, a 58-45 setback at No. 3 Waubonsie Valley, the No. 1 Hawks came home Saturday night for Senior Night and made easy work of East Aurora, 62-30, in Upstate Eight Valley action.
“(Friday night) was definitely a wake-up call for us,” said Bartlett senior Haley Videckis, who was honored with her seven senior teammates prior to Saturday’s game.
“It was a realization to our team that anyone can beat anyone on any given night. I didn’t sleep all night I was so upset. But now I’m glad we had that. It’s going to make us fight even harder.”
There was little East Aurora (9-15, 0-10) could do to counter a Bartlett attack that had determination written all over it even during warm-ups. On her way to a game-high 21 points, Videckis hit a 3-pointer eight seconds into the game and the Tomcats were toast right then and there. Bartlett (23-1, 9-1) led 9-0, made it 16-4 by the end of the first quarter, 29-14 at halftime and 40-20 by the end of three.
“We realize we have a talented team and we’re stronger today than we were yesterday,” said Videckis, who added 6 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 assists.
The comfortable lead throughout the night allowed Hawks’ coach Denise Sarna to substitue freely and give her seven healthy seniors plenty of floor time. Starting senior point guards Janessa Baker sat out her second straight game with an ankle injury.
Senior starters Kristin Conniff (13 points, 4 assists), Lisa Palmer (8 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals) and Katie Gutzwiller (2 points, 3 steals) played their usual steady game and senior Ashley Johnson, starting for Baker, contributed 5 points and 2 assists.
Nicole Gobbo (3 assists, 2 steals) and Natalia Grodzki (4 points) also contributed to the win.
“This group of seniors is a fantastic group,” Sarna said. “It’s one of the closest groups of kids we’ve had. They’ve been playing basketball together for a long time. You couldn’t ask for better role models and they’re really fun to coach.”
Sarna admitted she didn’t sleep much either, and had watched the tape of Friday night’s loss three time prior to Saturday’s game.
“There’s so many things I wanted to share and show the team,” she said. “In a way it would have been nice to have a practice but ultimately you want to get back out there and play. We didn’t play well (Friday) and this was a good opportunity for us to get back out there and show we’re OK.
“It hurts to lose a game but we came back today with a little chip on our shoulder. We still have work to do and we know that.”
Videckis, who will take her talents to Indiana next year, used Saturday night to think a little ahead, as well as reflect.
“These four years have gone by so fast,” she said. “Tonight made me realize how much I love these girls and how hard it’s going to be when that final game comes.”
And with a renewed sense of focus born from a loss, the Hawks are hoping that final game doesn’t come until the first weekend of March at Redbird Arena.