Bunkoske Shines in Wayland Defeat

The Horicon girls’ basketball team secured a hard-fought victory against Wayland Academy on Thursday, Jan. 22, defeating the visitors with a final score of 55-47. The win improves Horicon’s record to 7-8 on the season, while Wayland Academy moves to 5-6.
The game was a defensive battle early on, with the Marshladies relying on their lockdown defense to gain the upper hand.
The first half was a low-scoring affair, characterized by aggressive defensive play from both sides. Horicon’s defense was particularly effective, highlighted by multiple steals and blocks that kept Wayland Academy off the board. The Marshladies went into the halftime break with a lead, 20-14.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the second half, thanks to a standout performance by sophomore Emily Bunkoske. Bunkoske ignited the Horicon offense, sinking four crucial three-pointers and leading all scorers with 21 total points on the night. Her effort was the catalyst for the Marshladies pulling away for the win.
The offensive effort was also bolstered by exceptional ball movement, as Azelyn Heller played a key role in distributing the ball, leading the team with 10 assists. The combination of Bunkoske’s scoring and Heller’s playmaking sealed the eight-point victory for Horicon.

Vs Cambridge
The Horicon girls’ basketball team, nicknamed the Marshladies, faced a tough challenge on Monday, January 19, ultimately falling to the visiting Cambridge team with a final score of 58-34. The loss moves Horicon’s season record to 6-8, while Cambridge improves to 12-3.
Despite the final score, the Marshladies showcased grit and defensive intensity throughout the contest, particularly in the first half.
The game saw early ties, with Sarah Hodgson’s made free throw knotting the score at 7-7 early in the first half. Horicon momentarily took the lead when Mady Rinderle assisted Grace Thornton, making the score 12-9 at the eight-minute mark. However, Cambridge surged ahead, leading 22-17 after an Azelyn Heller pass led to a Rinderle fast break layup just before the half. The Marshladies applied strong defensive pressure, recording several steals, but went into halftime trailing 24-17.
Horicon opened the second half with a spark, as Aubrey Ehrlich sank a three-pointer. The team’s defense remained strong, recording a couple of blocks in the second half, but they were unable to contain the higher-ranked Cambridge offense.
Mady Rinderle led the scoring for Horicon with 11 points. Sarah Hodgson dominated the boards, grabbing 10 rebounds for the Marshladies.
This week, the girls have a short break until Friday night, Jan. 30, when they travel to Lourdes Academy for a game at 7 p.m., and host Johnson Creek on Saturday night, Jan. 31, for a game at 6 p.m.

Cambridge, 58 vs Horicon, 34
Monday, Jan. 19
Points: Rinderle 11, Hodgson 9, Heller 8, Ehrlich 3, Bunkoske 1.

RBD: 27
AST: 9
STL: 7
BLK: 3

Wayland, 47 vs Horicon, 55

Thursday, Jan. 22
Points: Bunkoske 21, Hodgson 18, Rinderle 11, Ehrlich 5.
3PT: Bunkoske 4, Ehrlich 1.
RBD: 42
AST: 13
STL: 5
BLK: 1

Standings
Trailways-East Conference
TEAM W-L

Lourdes 5-1
Dodgeland 4-2
Horicon 4-2
Valley Christian 3-2
C.W.C. 3-3
Wayland 2-5
Oakfield 0-7