Basketball Recap: Hayden Falls Despite Big Games from Sydney Wattles and Taryn Schlim

If Hayden was feeling good fresh off their 56-32 takedown of North Park last Friday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Hayden Tigers fell to the West Grand Mustangs 37-32. The loss continues a trend for the Tigers in their matchups with the Mustangs: they've now lost three in a row.

Taryn Schlim

Rebounds

01/18/25 @ Vail Mountain	18
01/17/25 vs North Park	17
12/06/24 vs Altamont	13
12/05/24 vs Battle Mountain	13
02/07/25 @ North Park	12
+ 9 more games

Hayden's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Taryn Schlim, who dropped a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards, and Sydney Wattles, who went 5-for-10 on her way to 11 points in addition to six rebounds and three steals. Schlim is becoming a predictor of Hayden's success: when she posts at least ten rebounds the team is 7-3 (and 1-3 when she doesn't).

Even though they lost, Hayden smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 12 offensive boards in 15 consecutive matchups dating back to last season.

Among those leading the charge was Luci Bruchez, who dropped a double-double with ten points and 11 boards. What's more, she also racked up seven steals, the most she's had since back in February of 2024.

Hayden's record now sits at 8-6. As for West Grand, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won ten of their last 11 contests, which provided a nice bump to their 17-2 record this season.

Hayden didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 60-23 loss against De Beque on the 15th. As for West Grand, they have also already played their next match, a 51-35 defeat against Rangely on the 19th.