Hononegah's girls basketball season ends at the hands of Libertyville
This season was expected to be a somewhat rebuilding year. But looking at the season as a whole, I would say that it could be the start of another long run of success for the Hononegah Indians.
The Hononegah Indians girls basketball season ended on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the hands of the same team that ended last year's season. Libertyville came away with a 47-36 victory at Huntley.
The game was a gritty grind for the Indians, who seemed to be playing uphill all night. The Wildcats jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead, and then a big 3-pointer from Carly Koch cut the lead to 1 at 4-3 with 5:30 left in the opening quarter. A quick 8-0 run for Libertyville gave them a 12-3 margin. The Indians then got two pairs of free throws from Natalie Harris and Jordan Dimke, scoring 12-7. The remainder of the quarter saw Hono get just 4 points. Libertyville turned a couple of turnovers into some quick buckets, and after one quarter, Libertyville found themselves up 18-11.
In the 2nd quarter, Hononegah played the last 6:59 of the quarter without junior leader Jordan Dimke after Dimke got called for her 3rd foul. The score was 20-11 when Jordan went to the bench. To the credit of Hononegah's defense, Libertyville scored just 3 points in the last 6:59 of the 2nd quarter. Conversely, the Indians could muster just those same 3 points, and the halftime score was 24-14 Libertyville.
Coming out of halftime, Hononegah seemed to have a bounce in their step. It showed as they got an early 3-point shot from Jordan Dimke and a quick turnover layup by Ainsley Hughes, and the score was 24-19. Libertyville had a timeout, and they got a short jumper in the lane by sophomore highly recruited guard Lily Fisher. 26-19. The remainder of the 3rd was filled with turnovers, and many missed chances from both teams. When the horn went off to end the 3rd, the score stood at 33-28, and the Hononegah crowd was full of energy.
33-28 was as close as Hononegah would get for the remainder of this game. Libertyville could withstand an onslaught of pressure, energy, and, simply put, desire from a young Hononegah team.
When the final buzzer ended, Hononegah found themselves on the short end of the scoreboard 47-36.
The Indians end this season with many, many ups. They got the conference winning streak up to 66 games before losing. They were able to win the NIC 10 for a 5th straight season. They won 20 games again, went 15-3 in the NIC 10, and won the regional title against Guilford.
This season was expected to be a somewhat rebuilding year. But looking at the season as a whole, I would say that it could be the start of another long run of success for the Hononegah Indians.
Coach Jason Brunke has told me that this year's team has taken everything in and grown from it. He expressed his gratitude for this team's work and willingness to grow as one and as a team, even with no seniors on this year's team. The 2025-2026 Hononegah Indians Girl's Basketball team might have a similar look but start with a very solid base from which to grow and continue to win.
Thank you to Head Coach Jason Brunke, and Assistant Coaches Matt Simpson, Marc LaMay, Hannah Rehfeldt and Emilee Morrow for all your help this season.
Libertyville Scoring
Lily Fisher 16, Elinor Lindal 14, Madison Sears 9, Sophia Cesnovar 7, Sophia Swanson 1
17 2-pointers
1 3-pointer
3-4 free throws
Hononegah Scoring
Jordan Dimke 15, Ainsley Hughes 7, Addison Beilfuss 5, Carly Koch 5, Kylie Simpson 2, Natalie Harris 2
7 2-pointers
4 3-pointers
10-12 free throws
