Unable to get into a groove

Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn could never get comfortable against Emmetsburg's defense during the opening round of the Class 2A Region 3 girls' basketball tournament. That proved to be a significant factor in the Hawks' season-ending 52-38 loss at Emmetsburg on Feb. 11.

H-M-S struggled to score in the opening period, which ended with Emmetsburg leading 14-7. The Hawks managed to get to within three points on two occasions in the second quarter, but again trailed by seven (26-19) when the first half ended.

Emmetsburg's defense kept H-M-S from getting any consistent scoring throughout the contest.

"Emm...