Butler girls show senior respect
BUTLER TWP — The Butler girls basketball team was going to keep feeding Lauren Bresnahan the ball.
The Golden Tornado's only senior was one point away from hitting double figures for the first time in her varsity career.
When she missed, the bench reacted. For Bresnahan, it was strange to have people focusing on her offense.
Much to her teammates delight, Bresnahan hit the mark in the fourth quarter of Butler's 68-43 season-ending win over New Castle Monday night at Butler High School.
“My team's always a good time,” Bresnahan said. “It was nice they wanted me to score and it was nice they were happy for me.”
Playing defense was always her speciality.
“No, I like defense. I was never really strong with offense,” Bresnahan said. “Playing with Mackenzie O'Donnell and Julia (Baxter), they had more talent on the offensive end. I was stronger on defense.”
Bresnahan was one of four Golden Tornado players to score in double figures. Alyssa DiPippa (16 points), Julia Baxter (15) and Kalynn Callihan (14) all finished in double figures.
Butler coach Dorothea Epps was pleased with how her team ended the season. The Golden Tornado (11-9) won three of their final four games to finish with a winning record.
“Our goal at this point of the season, since we didn't make the playoffs was to finish with a winning record,” Epps said. “I'm proud of them, they could have said there wasn't anything to play for.”
Butler led New Castle 29-16 at halftime and was never seriously threatened in the second half.
After Velvet Wade made a 3-pointer to open the half for the Red Hurricane (7-15), the Golden Tornado responded with a 10-0 run to build a 39-18 lead.
While Butler had a chance to send off its senior, it also focused on the future. Junior forward Dani Hensel has been more aggressive on offense the past few games.
Finding scoring to complement Baxter and DiPippa will be the key to rebounding for a playoff spot next season.
“I felt like I needed to step it up because the coaches have been telling me to the whole season,” said Hensel, who scored five points. “I finally feel like I've come out of my shell and I feel like their a part of my family now.”
NEW CASTLE 43
Velvet Wade 5 2-4 12, Jaidyn Eggleston 4 0-0 11, Jasmine Evans 0 0-0 0, Darrian Johson 5 4-6 17, Kennedy Hudson 1 0-0 3, Janay Waker, Tania Brothers 0 0-0 . Totals: 15 6-10 43.
BUTLER 68
Alyssa DiPippa 5 6-8 16, Dani Hensel 1 3-3 5, Kalynn Callihan 4 3-4 14, Lauren Bresnahan 5 1-2 11, Julia Baxter 5 5-7 15, Ronni Guiney 0 0-1 0, Tiana Schaffner 2 0-3 5, Kelsee Callihan 0 0-0 0, Melea Barlow 0 0-0 0, Christian Friel 0 0-0 0. Totals: 23 18-29 68.
New Castle 6 10 6 21 — 43
Butler14 15 16 23 — 68
3-point goals: New Castle 6 (Eggleston 3, Johnson 2, Hudson); Butler 4 (Ka. Callihan 3, Schaffner)
