Moments after walking into Redsten Gymnasium, it was clear there would be only five girls playing for the Madison College women’s basketball team the evening of Jan. 23. This eliminated the opportunity of any relief from the bench throughout the game.
As a result, the College of DuPage was able to outlast Madison College, 75-43, at Redsten Gymnasium.
Even with this low number of players, the teamwork has drastically improved throughout this season for Madison College.
The WolfPack was able to keep a close eye on the College of DuPage throughout the first period with Kayla Staveness scoring a 3-pointer to bring the score to 13-11.
Tension continued throughout the second period as Tazhia Aune began a rally, scoring a 3-point shot with only two minutes left on the clock. Only 30 seconds later Staveness added another 3-points, then Aune back again with another 2-point basket. The last two minutes before half were strong, putting DuPage only 11 points ahead at 30-19.
Seconds after the start of the third period, Staveness had a hard fall. She proceeded to get right back up and make both of her free throws adding another two points to the board.
During the third quarter, DuPage had a very strong offense and was able to extend its lead to 50-23.
Beginning the fourth, Aune shot yet another 3-point shot and the crowd went wild. With a technical foul on DuPage, Staveness was sent back to the free throw line, adding two more points for Madison College.
The dedication was shown throughout the fourth as the energy was incredibly high. Even after a hard fall from Kaylee Anzalone, she was able to get a great rebound setting Staveness up for a perfect 3-point shot.
The last two minutes were great for Staveness as she was able to score 8-points for Madison College and finish the game with a team-high 23 points.
After the game I was able to talk to Kaylee Anzalone, Kayla Staveness, and Tazhia Aune.
“We are honestly just here to play,” says Anzalone. “We didn’t come this far to give up.”
Anzalone, Staveness, and Tazhia are all second-year players and show immense gratitude that they were able to play for their final year.
“I am so thankful we had enough girls to even create a team,” says Staveness.
It is clear that these girls put in a lot of effort to be able to play the sport they love; They explained how many hours they put outside of practice just trying to be the best they can be.
“I want to be the best I can be for this team, that’s why I put in the extra work,” says Anzalone.
The fact that these five girls were able to play 40 minutes of basketball without a single minute of rest is simply admirable. There is no denying that Coach Angel Whetstone’s motto “1% better” is working for this team.
Madison College stands at 1-21 overall. Its final two games of the regular season are at home against Rock Valley College on Feb. 15 and Milwaukee Area Technical College on Feb. 20.
Bryant & Stratton College 104, Madison College 33
Bryant & Stratton College was in charge from the first quarter on, posting a 104-33 victory over Madison College on Feb. 8. Staveness led the WolfPack with 17 points, while Mirella Zielke had 10 rebounds.
Joliet Junior College 91, Madison College 44
A 25-8 first quarter gave Joliet Junior College a big lead that it continued to build on throughout its 91-44 victory over Madison College on Feb. 6. Staveness led Madison College with 28 points including hitting all 10 of her free throws.
Black Hawk College 76, Madison College 34
Madison College was held to eight first half points in a 76-34 loss to Black Haw College on Jan. 20. Staveness scored 20 points to lead the WolfPack, while Anzalone added 8 points.