By Marisa Dawson
The Bennington High School girls basketball team kicked off their postseason run with a dominant performance in their first district game, cruising to an 82-23 victory over Nebraska City on Wednesday night at home. The win extends the Badgers’ perfect record to 24-0 as they continue their quest for a state title in Class B.
Despite a two-week layoff due to snow days and cancellations, Bennington came out sharp from the opening tip. Head coach John O’Connor highlighted the team’s fast start and defensive intensity in the first half as key highlights.
“It was good to see us have a fast start and how we played defensively in the first half,” O’Connor said.
The Badgers’ balanced scoring attack overwhelmed Nebraska City throughout. Leading the way was Haydin Jackson with 19 points, followed by Macie Reiner with 16, Ally Bloomenkamp with 12, and Skylar Johnson with 10. For Nebraska City, MaKensie Briley was the top scorer with 10 points.
O’Connor emphasized the importance of shaking off the rust and executing the details they’ve honed in practice leading into districts.
“This time of year we want to be playing our best basketball so we wanted to come out and play well. With the snow days and cancellations we haven’t played a game in two weeks so we wanted to get back on the court and see some of the things we’ve been working on,” he said. “Again just wanting to be playing our best basketball by being sharp, focused, and executing well.”
The team’s undefeated streak has been built on more than just talent- it’s rooted in chemistry and unity.
“It’s for sure been the girls and they get all the credit. They are a great group that works together well on the court but they also have a lot of fun and care about each other off the court. They are a true team and that’s been big for us,” O’Connor added.
Bennington now advances in the B-2 District Tournament and will host Crete at home on Saturday, February 28, at noon. The winner will move closer to securing a spot in the state tournament.
The Badgers’ strong showing in their district opener sets an optimistic tone as postseason play intensifies.
