Gescuk is the lone Hornet to have endured a 1-21 season in 2013-14 that ended with a 67-19 tournament loss to Clinton-Massie.
PHOTOS: Nick Graham’s gallery from the game
“It was rough,” Gescuk said. “But once we started getting more players that knew the game, we formed a bond and it came together and we started posting wins.”
The journey from 1-21 to 19-4 has been one Gescuk won’t soon forget.
“It is definitely life-changing,” she said. “To go from 1-21 to 19-4 is really magical. I never thought we would come so far, but coach turned us around.”
Chad Allen arrived in Gescuk’s sophomore year, and the program has started to reflect the intensity he brings.
With the Hornets leading Dunbar by 21 at halftime, Allen was not pleased as the Wolverines (14-7) cut the deficit to 39-20 with 1:06 remaining in the third quarter.
“If their intensity isn’t the level that it needs to be, then I am going to pick mine up,” Allen said. “And the girls responded.”
An 8-0 run behind a 3-pointer from Sophie Sloneker and a basket by Jahsalyn Robinson pushed the lead to 47-20 with 5:44 remaining, and the Wolverines never got closer than 25 from there.
“We tend to bring down our intensity at times,” Gescuk said. “It normally doesn’t last too long. We responded to coach and kept it up the rest of the game.”
Sophie and Katie Sloneker accounted for the first seven points for Monroe and nine of the 15 in the first quarter as the Hornets opened a 15-6 lead.
The margin grew to 30-8 on back-to-back 3s by the Slonekers, and the rout was on.
“When we started getting up big, it seemed right,” Gescuk said. “We were scoring and rebounding and sharing the ball. We were all playing together and playing good basketball, so it didn’t surprise me.”
Much like the transformation hasn’t surprised Allen. In his three years, the Hornets went from seven wins to 11 to 19 and counting.
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
“We have had a nice season,” Allen said. “We thought when we came in with the group we had coming in that if they worked hard and had talent that we’d be successful, and that has happened.”
Katie Sloneker led Monroe with 14 while Sophie added 13. Gescuk finished with eight.
“The girls worked hard all week and really prepared for this game,” Allen said. “Our leaders stepped up tonight and led.”
Now Allen needs to dig through the record books and find the last time the Hornets advanced to the second round.
“I hear the older people in the community tell me,” Allen said with a chuckle. “I guess I am going to have to find out how long it has been.”
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