Basketball Recap: Bobbi Starkebaum's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Haxtun over Akron

Haxtun came into their game on Saturday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They came up short against the Akron Rams, falling 56-31. The Fightin' Bulldogs were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Rams earlier this season, when they won 36-35.

Bobbi Starkebaum

Rebounds

03/01/25 @ Akron	11
02/28/25 vs Limon	16
02/25/25 @ Burlington	12
02/21/25 vs Sedgwick County	8
02/15/25 vs Caliche	13
+ 2 more games

Several Fightin' Bulldogs players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Bobbi Starkebaum, who posted five points and 11 boards. Starkebaum is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as she's now pulled down eight or more in each of the last seven games she's played. Another player making a difference was Kelsie Hadeen, who scored four points and five boards.

Even though they lost, Haxtun smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive boards in three consecutive contests.

Akron found their leader in freshman Molly O'Neil, who dropped a double-double with 28 points and 12 rebounds. O'Neil also set a new season-high mark in field goal percentage with 56%. Addison Weis was another key player, putting up seven points.

Haxtun has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost six of their last seven matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 9-14 record this season. Akron pushed their record up to 13-10 with the win, which was their third straight at home.

Haxtun and Akron are set to take part in some playoff action in their next matches. Haxtun will take on Del Norte at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Akron, they will face off against South Park at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. South Park's defense has only allowed 29 points per game this season, so Akron's offense will have their work cut out for them.