They were the last team to beat them before it started and they were the team to put an end to their 81-game winning streak. The women’s basketball team beat Ben Davis and ended their record-setting winning streak in the regional finals with a 65-62 win over the Giants on Feb. 19. Despite their season-ending loss to Jeffersonville in the following round, the team is proud of what they accomplished at the end of the season.

Forward and junior Stephanie Irwin said, “(Beating Ben Davis) was a great accomplishment and everyone was really happy. It was a really good feeling because we were the last team to beat them. They are great competition.”

About the Jeffersonville loss, Head Coach Scott Bowen said he was not disappointed in his players’ efforts. He said via email,  “Our ladies played great.  We just could never deliver the knockout blow that day and Jeffersonville was tough to handle inside.”

Irwin said, “It was hard because we came so close. We were leading the whole game, and then a couple things didn’t go our way. We all played hard and it just didn’t go our way.”

According to Bowen, what is next on the team’s agenda is to get back in the gym after spring break to prepare for next year’s season. He said, “(During the off-season) we focus on getting better athletically.  We also focus on our individual skill development. Hopefully all of our returning players get to work in the off-season and get better.  Knowing our returning kids, I don’t think that will be a problem.  Our kids love being in the gym.”

Both Bowen and Irwin said they are going to miss the graduating seniors next season. Irwin said, “The seniors were all great teammates and have a lot of talent. Next year we are just going to focus on getting better as a team. We have great chemistry among us and I think we are going to do big things next year.”

Irwin said that during the off-season she is going to work on her own skills and athleticism, but she said the best chance the Hounds have for success next season is to practice and play as one team. She said, “Next year, I just really hope can continue improving and growing as a team. I also hope we can bring home a state championship.” By Alex Mackall <[email protected]>