No. 6 Fort Hays State Women’s Basketball Faces Nebraska-Kearney in Regular Season Finale
Table of Contents
- No. 6 Fort Hays State Women’s Basketball Faces Nebraska-Kearney in Regular Season Finale
- Tigers Aim to Extend Winning Streak, Secure Tournament Seeding
- Historic Winning Streak and Statistical Dominance
- Key players Driving the Tigers’ Success
- Regional Recognition and Historical Context
- Scouting Nebraska-Kearney
- Looking Ahead: MIAA Tournament
- Fort Hays State Tigers’ Historic Winning Streak: An Inside Look at Collegiate Women’s Basketball Dominance
Kearney, Neb. — The No. 6-ranked Fort Hays State women’s basketball team (25-2, 16-2 MIAA) is set for a crucial matchup against Nebraska-Kearney (19-8, 12-6 MIAA) on saturday, March 1, 2025, at 2 p.m. CST. This game, held at the Health & Sports Center in Kearney, marks the second meeting between these rivals in just four days and concludes the regular season for both teams. Fort Hays State, riding a 12-game winning streak, looks to solidify it’s position heading into the MIAA Tournament.
Tigers Aim to Extend Winning Streak, Secure Tournament Seeding
The Fort Hays State Tigers enter Saturday’s contest with meaningful momentum, boasting an remarkable 25-2 overall record and a 17-2 mark in conference play. Their recent dominant 92-56 victory over nebraska-Kearney on Wednesday has propelled them past Pittsburg State in the KPI rankings, a crucial metric used for determining tournament seeding. This game presents a rematch scenario, offering Nebraska-Kearney an opportunity to avenge their recent lopsided loss and possibly improve their own tournament standing.
for fans unable to attend the game in person, live video streaming will be available on The MIAA Network. Single-game broadcasts are priced at $15, with monthly and year-long subscription options also available for avid followers of the league. Radio coverage will be provided by KJLS 103.3 FM, featuring the voice of the Tigers, Gerard Wellbrock. Live stats will also be continuously updated online, allowing fans to follow the action in real-time.
Historic Winning Streak and Statistical Dominance
The current 12-game winning streak is the second of its kind this season for Fort Hays State, tying for the seventh-longest in team history. Achieving multiple double-digit winning streaks in a single season is a rare feat, accomplished onyl three times in the program’s impressive 56-year history, highlighting the team’s consistent performance and ability to maintain momentum.
The Tigers have now secured 25 wins in consecutive seasons,marking the eighth time they’ve reached this significant milestone. One more victory would tie the 2024-25 season with the 2017-18 season for the fifth-most wins in school history, with 26, further cementing their place among the program’s elite teams.
February proved to be a perfect month for Fort Hays state, as they won all eight of their games. This is their most successful month since February 2021, when they went a perfect 9-0, showcasing their ability to peak at crucial moments in the season.
In Wednesday’s commanding win against Nebraska-Kearney,fort Hays State shot an remarkable 60.7% from the field, surpassing 60% for the first time in four years. This stellar performance boosted their season shooting percentage to an impressive 46.6%, ranking them fifth nationally among all Division II programs.
The Tigers excel in several key statistical categories, holding the second-best assist/turnover ratio in the nation (1.38), fourth in assists per game (18.7),fifth in scoring margin (plus-19.6),sixth in winning percentage (92.6%), and tenth in field goal percentage defense (34.6%). These statistics underscore their well-rounded approach to the game and their ability to dominate on both ends of the court.
Key players Driving the Tigers’ Success
Several players have been instrumental in the Tigers’ success, consistently delivering outstanding performances throughout the season.
Brooke Loewe
has been a key playmaker,distributing nine assists in the recent game,bringing her season total to 186. This is the highest single-season total in team history and ranks second in Division II.
Talexa Weeter
delivered a standout performance against the Lopers, matching her career-high with 25 points in just 17 minutes. Despite coming off the bench, the sophomore guard ranks 15th in the conference with 13.1 points per game.
Katie Wagner DeGarmo
contributed 20 points in Wednesday’s victory, marking her ninth double-figure scoring game in 11 attempts against Nebraska-Kearney. She averages 12.5 points and 6.3 rebounds when facing the Lopers, showcasing her ability to perform well against this particular opponent.
Olivia Hollenbeck
recorded a career-high six steals against UNK, bringing her season total to 60. she ranks second in the conference in steals, field goal percentage (61.8%), and third in blocks (47), while also holding the fifth spot in points per game (16.5), highlighting her all-around impact on the game.
Bailey Wilborn
has been a consistent threat from beyond the arc, drilling three 3-pointers in Wednesday’s game, achieving this feat for the fourth time this season.She is tied with ellie Stearns
for the most games with at least three 3-pointers this year. Stearns has made at least one 3-pointer in six of the last seven games, providing consistent perimeter scoring for the Tigers.
Megan Earney
also contributed three 3-pointers against the Lopers, helping Fort Hays State achieve a season-best 10 3-pointers as a team, demonstrating their ability to spread the floor and create scoring opportunities from the perimeter.
Regional Recognition and Historical Context
Both Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney were recognized in the latest NCAA Division II Central Region rankings released on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Fort Hays State was ranked third in the region, while UNK was tenth, highlighting the strength of both programs within the region.
This isn’t the first time these teams have faced each other twice in a short span. During the COVID-altered 2020-21 season, they played twice in three days. The unranked Tigers handed No. 4 Nebraska-Kearney its first two losses of the season, winning 61-49 in Hays on January 28, 2021, and 68-60 in Kearney on January 30, 2021, demonstrating their ability to perform well against ranked opponents, even on the road.
Fort Hays State has a rich history against Nebraska-Kearney, having played and defeated them more than any other school in program history. The Tigers hold a 63-42 all-time record against the Lopers, with the series tied 25-25 in games played in Kearney. FHSU has won the last three meetings. Under head coach Talia Kahrs,the Tigers are 3-0 against the Lopers,including a 1-0 record on the road. In regular-season MIAA meetings, the Tigers are 19-6 against UNK and 5-3 in overtime games, having won the last five overtime matchups, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Scouting Nebraska-Kearney
Nebraska-Kearney enters the game with a 19-8 overall record and a 12-6 conference record, including a strong 10-2 record at home. The Lopers average 71.9 points per game,ranking sixth in the MIAA. Their scoring margin of plus-13.0 is third-best in the league. They excel in bench scoring, averaging 26.6 points per game off the bench, which is the best in the league and 25th-best in Division II, highlighting their depth and ability to get contributions from their entire roster. Jillian Aschoff leads a balanced offense with 11.3 points per game, with six Lopers averaging at least 7.6 points per game. bailee Sobczak leads the conference with 3.3 offensive rebounds per game, showcasing their ability to create second-chance opportunities.
Looking Ahead: MIAA Tournament
Looking ahead, Fort Hays State will participate in the 2025 MIAA Basketball Championship presented by Southern Bank, held at the historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo. If the Tigers secure the No. 1 or 2 seed, they will play in the quarterfinals on Thursday, March 6. If seeded third through sixth, they will begin the tournament in the quarterfinals on Friday, March 7. The MIAA Tournament represents the next significant challenge for the Tigers as they look to continue their successful season and compete for a conference championship.
Fort Hays State Tigers’ Historic Winning Streak: An Inside Look at Collegiate Women’s Basketball Dominance
Did you know that a single season’s double-digit winning streaks in women’s college basketball are exceptionally rare, highlighting a team’s sustained excellence adn strategic prowess? Let’s delve into the remarkable success of the Fort Hays State University women’s basketball team with Dr.Evelyn Reed,a renowned sports analyst and expert in women’s collegiate basketball.
Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Reed, Fort Hays State’s recent performance, including their extraordinary winning streak and high national rankings, is quite remarkable. Can you elaborate on the factors contributing to their sustained success?
Dr. Reed (DR): The Fort Hays State Tigers’ success is a multifaceted achievement, stemming from a combination of factors. Firstly, extraordinary coaching is paramount. A skilled coach fosters a positive team habitat,develops game strategies,and cultivates individual player growth.Beyond tactics, strong coaching often involves identifying talent, recruiting standout athletes, and fostering a winning mentality within the team.
Secondly, the depth of talent within the Tigers’ roster is undeniable. They excel not only in star players’ individual performances, but also in their team’s synergy and cohesiveness. Each player brings unique skills to the court, creating a well-rounded and adaptable team capable of adjusting to various opponents’ strategies. This balance, between established players and promising up-and-comers, adds to their resilience and competitiveness.
Thirdly, rigorous training and conditioning are crucial components of their dominance. Maintaining peak physical condition is essential in the highly demanding world of collegiate athletics. Consistent and dedicated practice schedules, effective conditioning programs, and injury prevention strategies contribute to preventing burnout, maximizing performance, and fostering long-term athletic success.
SE: The article highlights several key players. Can you discuss their individual contributions and how they synergize as a team?
DR: The Tigers’ success is a collaborative effort, but certain players stand out for their unique strengths. Players like Olivia Hollenbeck,excelling in steals,blocks,and scoring,demonstrate remarkable all-around performance. This multifaceted talent is vital for success in both offensive and defensive strategies. Similarly, Brooke Loewe’s record-breaking assists highlight her remarkable playmaking ability. This contribution facilitates team scoring and demonstrates superior court vision and teamwork. Players like Talexa Weeter and Katie Wagner DeGarmo offer dependable scoring power,providing consistent offensive production,highlighting different scoring capabilities,which is vital for effective team play. the consistent three-point scoring from players such as Bailey Wilborn and megan Earney provides an important strategic element to spread the floor and generate scoring opportunities. Their combined contributions demonstrate the importance of a versatile and well-rounded team composed of unique talents.
SE: The article mentions the importance of tournament seeding. How crucial is seeding in determining a team’s postseason success?
DR: Tournament seeding is exceptionally important in women’s college basketball, influencing a team’s path to the championship. A higher seed frequently enough translates to a more favorable draw,encountering weaker opponents in earlier rounds,allowing for momentum building and strategic adjustments throughout the tournament.A good seed reduces the chance of facing a top-ranked team early in the tournament, giving the team a better chance of progressing. It’s a substantial advantage, and it’s a major factor in building confidence and success in the high-stakes tournament setting.
SE: What are some key takeaways from Fort Hays State’s success that other collegiate basketball programs can learn from?
DR: Fort Hays State’s success offers several valuable lessons for other collegiate programs:
Cultivate a strong team culture: A positive team environment fosters cohesion, improves dialog, and maximizes individual player performance.
Recruit versatile players: A diverse array of skills within a team creates adaptability, overcoming potential opponent or match-up challenges.
Prioritize player growth: Consistent training, coaching, and mentoring is crucial for player growth and team overall success.
Maintain a performance-based training program: Prioritize injury prevention programs and maintain consistent dedication to physical condition and peak performance.
SE: In closing, what are your predictions for Fort Hays State’s performance in the upcoming MIAA Tournament and beyond?
DR: Fort Hays State’s strong performance and current momentum position them exceptionally well for this tournament. Their consistent performance throughout the season, their outstanding team chemistry, and their astonishing player talent makes them a legitimate tournament contender. They have the potential to make a significant impact and ultimately compete for a conference championship. Their future success will depend on their ability to maintain their focus, continue their high level of play, and adapt their strategies to the challenges faced in the tournament.
SE: Thank you, Dr. Reed, for your insightful analysis of Fort Hays State’s impressive season and your expert viewpoint on women’s collegiate basketball. Readers, what are your thoughts on the Tigers’ chances in the upcoming tournament? Share your comments and predictions below!