Basketball Recap: Hitchcock-Tulare Takes Loss Despite Strong Performances from Katelyn Schroeder and Gracyn Bixler

On Saturday, the Hitchcock-Tulare Patriots came up short against the Harding County Ranchers and fell 47-40.

Gracyn Bixler and Katelyn Schroeder certainly did their best on Saturday to avoid the loss. Bixler went 5 of 6 en route to 12 points and six rebounds, while Schroeder posted nine points and eight boards. Bixler has been hot recently, having also posted two or more steals the last three times she's played.

It was another big night for Bailey Rae Verhulst, who went 6 for 10 on her way to 15 points and seven steals for Harding County. Rae Verhulst continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Kamry Padden, who had nine points and three steals.

Hitchcock-Tulare has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-5 record this season. As for Harding County, the win keeps them at an undefeated 8-0.

Hitchcock-Tulare will be taking part in a tournament against Highmore/Harrold at 6:30 p.m. on Monday. Highmore/Harrold will roll in looking for their eighth straight victory, something Hitchcock-Tulare surely won't give up without a fight. As for Harding County, they will have some time to savor their win since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Hill City at 3:30 p.m. on January 31st. Harding County is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 59.7 points per game this season.