Hononegah rolls in Monday night playoff game against Jefferson, 78–47
Early and often the Indians caused turnovers and got buckets against its NIC 10 foe
Hononegah walked into the Hampshire High School Gym on Monday night looking every bit like the stronger, deeper, and more seasoned team — and wasted no time proving it.
Three of the Indians’ first four buckets came from behind the arc, including a pair from recent 1,000‑point scorer Ainsley Hughes, who set the tone and never cooled off. The sophomore guard finished with a team‑high 21 points, steering an offense that played with confidence from the opening tip.
Hononegah’s pressure defense, anchored by senior Kylie Simpson at the top, disrupted Jefferson’s rhythm early and fed the transition game. Fellow senior Jordan Dimkeregular-season NIC-10 delivered the kind of all‑around performance that has defined her season — scoring, rebounding, and cleaning up anything that came loose around the rim. Her presence inside helped Hononegah control the paint and the tempo.
The Indians maintained command throughout, showcasing the depth and balance that carried them through the regular-season NIC-10 title and into the postseason with high expectations.
Next up: a familiar NIC‑10 foe. Hononegah advances to face Rockford Auburn, which defeated host Hampshire 72–63 in the nightcap of the doubleheader.
Thank you to the 2025-2026 Hononegah Girls Basketball group on Facebook and Stephanie Kock for the wonderful image used in the story.
