By: Elizabeth Ruckel

The Highland Home Flying Squadron and Lady Squadron basketball fell short against Luverne High School Tuesday night. The hard fought effort gave promise to the program moving forward, although the expectations of victory were not met. The season is still young and there are many goals to accomplish for the Squadron.

“I know we’re young. We have three experienced starters, but filling the other two spots can be hard. The eagerness and the drive that these girls have is better than any team I’ve ever had,” said Melinda Avant, HHS varsity girls coach.

“Luverne is a big rival for us and Tuesday’s game was more for us than to see if we get into area or not,” said junior Connor Price.

“We didn’t reach to what we’re capable of, but we will be much improved by the next time we play Luverne.”

Sophomore Terrion Nichols lead Highland Home with 13 points and sophomore Donnaven Roberson trailed behind.

Coach Avant and coach Shawn Sellers, HHS varisty boys coach, want to work to get Highland Home as one basketball program.

They will have their workouts and practices separate but their common goal is to come together as one. Both programs support each other to make a successful basketball program.

Junior Jala Merriweather lead the Lady Squadron with 11 points; following was senior Allera June.

“We missed a lot of free throws last night, so that is a big thing we need to improve on,” Merriweather said.

“I hate that we lost, but we will be practicing every moment we get. These games are just helping us get ready for what matters: area. “

Highland Home will travel to Goshen for an in school game Thursday and then to Pleasant Home on Friday.

“I’m really proud of how hard our kids played last night. I appreciate Mr. Lawton and the band coming to support, as well as the fans in the stands, and making Highland Home a fun, tough environment to play basketball,” Sellers said.

“The kids’ hard work and dedication are the cornerstones of us turning things around here at Highland Home.”