Seniors Emma Yoder and Madi Winter led the charge for the Rangers in last night’s emotional game, tying for leading scorer with 12 points each. In-sync offense combined with airtight defense and a lot of energy led to FHC’s 45-32 victory over Northview on senior night.

“It was still such a sentimental game and the last time we played them was a big game; we lost at the buzzer, so it was really good to win tonight,” Head Coach Kristina Prins said. “The girls played awesome.”

After a back-and-forth first quarter with stellar defense from both teams, the Lady Rangers took a 12-7 lead. FHC then took the lead once again with five minutes left in the second and held it the entire rest of the game.

While the Rangers went into the locker room at halftime leading 21-15, the third quarter has been troublesome for the team all year. Tonight, that streak was ended as FHC played phenomenal defense and maintained a 33-27 lead after three. In the fourth, the Rangers continued their drive, ultimately outscoring Northview 12-5 and securing a 45-32 victory.

The emotions of the game tonight were a huge factor in the intensity FHC held throughout all four quarters. With the senior night festivities, as well as the need for redemption against the Wildcats, the Rangers played with a purpose last night and ultimately played for each other.

“Starting the game I wanted to leave it all on the court tonight,” said Emma, who had 8 rebounds and a steal in addition to her 12 points. “For me, it was just about focusing on doing my best, trying my hardest, and going for everything tonight.”

The girls varsity basketball team carries six seniors this year, with four of them being starters. This group of girls has played together all throughout high school.

“It’s awesome to be able to go on this ride with my seniors, not only because they’re my teammates but also because they’re some of my best friends,” Emma said. “It’s just awesome to be able to hang out every day, go through every practice and all the conditioning with them, and finish the year out with them.”

This win puts the Rangers at 9-6 on the season and moves them up to second place in the OK White Conference, behind the undefeated Lowell. This Friday, FHC will take on Greenville at home for the Winterfest game. The Yellowjackets’ star player was held to just 7 points last time the two met, thanks to the relentless pressure from senior Breanna Probst on defense.

“Breanna has a big test on Friday,” said Prins about her defensive allstar who will guard Greenville’s leading scorer again. “Everything is run through their best player, so we just have to shut her down and play as a team again and we’ll be golden.”

The Rangers were victorious in the last meeting between these two teams with a final score of 36-29.

“Just being mentally prepared by getting excited and pumped up with my teammates before the game is how I usually get ready to defend someone,” said Breanna who had 2 points, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds in last night’s game. “It always feels good to get a win because it helps us bring energy into the next game which I use when guarding people.”

Last night’s game marked the first matchup of the second round through conference play for the Rangers. At this point last year, the team really came together and went on a winning streak.

Friday’s game will be the second to last home game for the regular season and maybe ever for the seniors. While last night the team was filled with bittersweetness, the Rangers look to continue to battle with each of their opponents and give the seniors a great end to their high school basketball careers.

“These seniors have done so much for our program,” Prins said. “Even the girls that don’t play as much are constantly cheering; they’re at practice every day and they’re so positive. It was just nice to send them out on a good note for senior night.”