Basketball Recap: Gracyn Painter's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Ainsworth over Stuart

Ainsworth was the 58-29 winner over Stuart when they last played one another back in February of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Ainsworth Bulldogs fell to the Stuart Broncos 51-45. The Bulldogs just can't catch a break and have now endured three losses in a row.

Gracyn Painter

Rebounds

02/11/25 vs Stuart	11
02/07/25 vs Sandhills/Thedford	8
01/30/25 @ Niobrara/Verdigre	11
01/28/25 vs Hyannis	12
01/23/25 vs North Central	11

Ainsworth's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Gracyn Painter, who dropped a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards. Painter has been hot, having posted eight or more rebounds the last five times she's played. Kenley Welke was another key player, going 6 for 15 en route to 14 points.

Even though they lost, Ainsworth smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive boards they've managed all season.

Ainsworth's loss dropped their record down to 4-14. As for Stuart, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 15-7.

Looking ahead, Ainsworth will face off against Winside at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Ainsworth is facing Winside at the right time seeing as Winside is stuck on a three-game losing streak. As for Stuart, they will square off against Randolph at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.