Basketball Recap: Hardin County Takes a Loss + How To Watch

By Team Reports Dec 3, 2025, 11:47am

Basketball Recap: Hardin County Cougars vs. Pope County Pirates

HOW TO WATCH: This game can be replayed on the NFHS Network, the official streaming partner of the IL High School Assn. (IHSA) & Hardin County High School. Watch Full Replay

Hardin County had lost four straight at home dating back to last season, but on Tuesday they dropped down to 0-3 to make it five. They took a blow against the Pope County Pirates, falling 68-41. The Cougars were down 54-29 at the end of the third quarter, and things only got worse from there.

Despite the loss, Hardin County saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Benna Williams dropped a double-double with 36 points and 11 rebounds. That was a full 87.8% of the Cougars' points, marking the third time in a row Williams has posted more than a third of the team's points.

As for Pope County, the win was the third in a row for them, bringing their record up to 4-1. They have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won four matchups by 20 points or more this season.

Bella Fasolo continued her habit of posting crazy stat lines, almost dropping a double-double with 25 points and nine boards. That makes it five consecutive games in which she has scored at least a third of Pope County's points. The team also got some help courtesy of Jayleigh Coram, who put up ten points along with seven rebounds and three steals.

Coming up, Hardin County will head out to take on Century at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. As for Pope County, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Elverado/Zeigler-Royalton at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.

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