Lady Red Devils lose regional game, but gain foundation for future
Columbia City 73, Lowell 29
JIMTOWN – All good things must come to an end. Even basketball seasons.
The Lady Red Devils’ dream season ended in Jimtown on Feb. 15 with a 73-29 loss to Columbia City, capping off an amazing season which led Lowell to their first sectional title since 2000.
In spite of a lopsided loss to one of the best teams in the state in Columbia City, Lowell coach Kelly Chavez said the regional was a positive experience for not only the team, but the program on the whole moving forward.
“The environment alone was such a rewarding feeling,” Chavez said. “To know that all of our hard work was being acknowledged at that moment was very fulfilling.”
Bre Kidd led the Devils with 13 points, and Brooke Dawson chipped in 5 points in the game. Chavez said the duo came up huge throughout the season. She added Dawson kept composed facing a very tough Columbia City defense.
“Bre Kidd did what she did all season long and hit some big shots all three games,” Chavez said. “Brooke Dawson evolved so much as a leader and demanded the ball in the fourth quarter in both sectionals games. As a sophomore, she took her team on her back and led them to their first sectional title in 25 years.”
Chavez acknowledged facing the Eagles would prove to be difficult at best. She gave props to Columbia City’s coach Amy Shearer and a very “well rounded” Eagles roster. Chavez knew the Devils would be in for a long night against the fifth ranked team in the state of Indiana.
“Prepping for regionals was definitely challenging because Columbia City has so much in their arsenal that stopping them is not an easy task,” Chavez observed. “It was a hard reality to accept knowing ideally a win was not going to happen, but they are truly a great team that fires on all cylinders.”
Chavez likened this season to a rollercoaster, and while the Devils had some injuries, she said it was the illnesses that set them back.
“As soon as we hit Christmas break, we were never fully staffed,” Chavez said. “Our lineups were constantly switching up and the overall health of the team struggled the entire month of January.”
Nevertheless, this season set a benchmark for Chavez. The Devils’ 16 wins is the most she’s had in a single season as a coach. But equally as important, it was the first postseason victory for the Lady Devils in 11 years and their first sectional title in 25 years.
But that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Chavez said the community packed The Pit this season, and the most loyal supporters were the Runnin’ Red Devils youth basketball team. The younger players went to the home and away games, and even made the two-hour trek to Jimtown for the regional game.
“One of our team’s worries were disappointing them at the regional game,” Chavez said. “I assured them that just being there was the reward they needed.”
Lowell will return seven players from this year’s varsity roster, with Dawson and Gatlin Hanrath being returning starters. Chavez believes the senior leadership on next year’s team will strong.
“There are big shoes to fill, but that is why our program continues to build each year,” Chavez said. “We look to take in approximately six incoming freshman, so our program will continue to thrive.”
Leaders vs. Kankakee Valley, Feb. 7: Elysia Laub 12 pts, 13 rebounds; Brooke Dawson 10 pts; Gatlin Hanrath 9 pts, 10 rebounds; Bre Kidd 8 pts, 3 assists.
Leaders vs. Hanover Central, Feb. 8: Brooke Dawson 14 pts, 3 assists; Bre Kidd 12 pts; Ashlee Evans 8 pts.
Season Stats
Leading scorers: Bre Kidd 237 pts, Elysia Laub 234 pts. Kidd made 63 3-point baskets - most in program history according to MaxPreps.
Top rebounders: Elysia Laub 197, Gatlin Hanrath 138
Steals: Brooke Dawson 37, Bre Kidd 35
Assists: Brooke Dawson 61, Gatlin Hanrath 41