By Murray Gleffe, Correspondent

SUAMICO- The Ashwaubenon Jaguars girls’ JV basketball team had one goal in mind Thursday evening at Bay Port High School (Feb. 15).

To defeat the Pirates and accomplish an undefeated season in the process.

After 32 minutes of basketball, the Jaguars came out on top by a final of 49-29 over their rivals and achieved their 22-0 season!

Rylie Severson led the Jaguars with 17 points, and Anna Wendorf added 12 points and 9 rebounds.

With everything on the line, the Jaguars came out ice cold from the floor.

They missed their first seven field goal attempts and fell behind 6-0 five minutes into the game.

The Jaguars coaching staff called a time out.

“The girls seemed a bit tense in the locker room before the game,” said Jaguars JV Girls Basketball Coach Erin Gresen. “I called an early time out and told them to have fun and to relax.”

Severson put the first points on the board for the visitors, and Madi Appleton followed suit.

It was part of a 15-2 run over the span of six minutes to give the Jaguars a 15-8 lead with 6:29 left till the intermission.

The Jaguars forced 11 turnovers and turned up the defensive pressure on the Pirates (frontcourt and backcourt) to turn the game completely around.

Towards the end of the first half, the Pirates went back to a man to man defense and it opened the middle up for Wendorf to do her damage in the paint. She finished around the rim three times to give the Jaguars a 24-12 lead going into halftime.

The Jaguars knew they were 16 minutes away from completing the ‘rare feat’ but needed to continue to play inspired basketball if they were going to come away with a victory.

Erica Conrad got into the action with a layup after Elyse Ark delivered her a nifty pass from 20 feet out. It extended the Jaguars lead to 31-17 just four minutes into the second half.

The Pirates chipped away and actually cut the margin to under double-digits (33-24) after Ryah Doyle canned a long jumper.

The Jaguars, however, would not be denied on this night.

With 7:24 left in the game and the Pirates threatening to pull within two possessions of the lead, Brenna Schlader dove for a loose ball and fed Severson who sank a rainbow three to give the Jaguars momentum once again.

“I owe a lot to my teammates,” said Jaguars Guard Severson. “When I received the ball in the corner, I squared up and my shot felt good tonight. I am super excited for this group of girls to not lose a single game all season.”

Caitlyn Phillips dropped in five free throws down the stretch and the Jaguars went onto defeat the Pirates by 20!

“This group of girls have accomplished something that few schools ever get to feel in a single year in the state of Wisconsin..no matter the level,” added Gresen. “They worked very hard in practice, in games, and should enjoy it now that the season is complete.”

Bay Port/Ashwaubenon Box Score

Bay Port                        12,17, -29

Ashwaubenon             24,25, -49

Pirates Final Totals: Nolle 9, Gosz 9, Krueger 4, Thetford 2, Doyle 2, Vandeyacht 2, Polcin 1,

Jaguars Final Totals: Severson 17, Wendorf 12, Phillips 7, Ark 6, Conrad 4, Appleton 3