Basketball Recap: Ainsworth Comes Up Short

Ainsworth was the 59-54 winner over Stuart when they last played one another back in February of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Ainsworth Bulldogs had to suffer through a 76-49 loss at the hands of the Stuart Broncos. While losing is never fun, the Bulldogs can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska basketball rankings (they are ranked 247th, while the Broncos are ranked 107th).

Ainsworth's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Witten Painter, who posted ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Chris Fernandez, who put up 13 points and five rebounds.

Leading Stuart to victory were Hunter Tubbs and Kayde Ramm. Tubbs dropped a double-double with 28 points and 12 boards, while Ramm dropped a double-double with 20 points and ten rebounds. Ramm has been hot for a while, having also posted two or more steals the last 13 times he's played. Another player making a difference was Drew Schmaderer, who scored six points in addition to five boards and five steals.

Ainsworth's loss dropped their record down to 4-11. As for Stuart, they pushed their record up to 15-5 with the win, which was their third straight on the road.

Looking ahead, Ainsworth will venture away from home to square off against Winside at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Ainsworth is facing Winside at the right time seeing as Winside is stuck on a 16-game losing streak. As for Stuart, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Randolph at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.