The University girls basketball team’s Thursday game with the Living Water Marlins was a last-minute addition to the schedule.
It was a necessary addition, though, as the Trailblazers got many things out of the game. First, University got a win, 66-38. Second, the ‘Blazers got to honor their lone senior Natalie Nickless with a final regular-season home game at the “U” Center.
“It was definitely important for her, especially what she’s been to our program,” said University coach Justin Blanding. “Just being able to get a game for her was huge for us. She’s done so much for our program that she deserved that.”
Third, UHS saw the return of Jhordan McGuire, whose play Thursday will be a definite help as the Trailblazers prepare to host Class 1A Sectional 58. McGuire saw her first action in the second quarter, where she scored four points, then added four more in the fourth quarter.
“She played really well,” said Blanding. “That’s normally how she plays. Obviously she’s not close to 100 percent, but she did well. She did exactly what we thought she would do. We’re definitely excited to have her back.”
The Living Water Marlins are a home-school team based out of Plainfield. While the Marlins didn’t let University have the game easily, the ‘Blazers were able to be in control the whole way. University led 14-6 after the first quarter and 33-14 at halftime.
“We hadn’t played in a while, so it was good to get some game reps,” said Blanding. “We’ll come back in and get shots up and get back in playing shape.”
Nickless scored 11 points in the first half, including three of her trademark 3-pointers.
“It’s awesome,” said Nickless. “I love my school and I love my team. I have no words, really, to explain it.”
Nickless threw in two more 3s in the second half, giving her a game-high total of 19 points. Lindsey Syrek was next in line, scoring 15, including nine in the third quarter.
With the victory, the ‘Blazers broke a four-game losing streak and finished the regular season 15-7. University will open play at its own sectional on Tuesday with a 7 p.m. game against Metropolitan.
University 66,
Living Water 38
University FG FT TP PF
Lindsey Syrek 6-13 3-4 15 1
Brooke Andrus 2-9 0-0 5 0
Lily Snyder 3-6 0-0 6 0
Lilly Fair 0-1 1-2 1 1
Lucy Snyder 3-4 0-0 6 2
Haley Tomlinson 3-6 0-0 6 0
Natalie Nickless 7-14 0-0 19 0
Jhordan McGuire 3-3 2-2 8 4
Elena Cacucci 0-0 0-0 0 0
Meredith Malott 0-0 0-0 0 0
Elise Nachlis 0-0 0-0 0 1
Brooke Toombs 0-1 0-0 0 2
Kelley McTyer 0-0 0-0 0 0
Totals 27-57 6-8 66 11
Score by Quarters
Living Water 6 8 13 11 – 38
University 14 19 21 12 – 66
University 3-point shooting (6-19) Nickless 5-11, Andrus 1-4, Li. Snyder 0-2, Timlinson 0-1, Toombs 0-1.
University’s lone senior Natalie Nickless was honored at the Trailblazers’ Thursday game with Living Water Thursday at the “U” Center. Nickless scored 17 points and made five 3-pointers. She is pictured with Trailblazers coach Justin Blanding. (Richie Hall)