Avery Howell and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits’ NCAA Tournament Journey
FORT WORTH, T.X. – The South Dakota State Jackrabbit Women’s basketball team concluded their NCAA Tournament run on Friday against the Washington Huskies, marking a time for reflection on a season filled with achievement and growth. Despite a 72-54 loss, the Jackrabbits left the arena with their heads held high, proud of their performance and the journey that brought them to the national stage.
Early Momentum and a Resilient Effort
The game began with a surge of energy from the Jackrabbits, fueled by a strong start led by Brooklyn Meyer, who quickly amassed seven points. This propelled the team to a 13-3 lead, electrifying the crowd filled with enthusiastic Jackrabbit fans who made the trip to Texas. However, the Huskies responded with a timeout, shifting the momentum and ultimately controlling the remainder of the contest.
Coach Johnston Reflects on a Fantastic Year
Head coach Aaron Johnston expressed immense pride in his team’s accomplishments. “Absolutely proud of our team. I thought this was just another fantastic year for our program. We did a lot of really good things,” he stated. He also highlighted the contributions of the team’s three graduating seniors, acknowledging their dedication and impact on the program. “We’ve got three great seniors sitting next to me here today. I’m just really honored that they’ve been jackrabbits and helped us achieve so many of the things that they’ve achieved throughout their career.”
Senior Reflections and Gratitude
For the seniors, the final game was a bittersweet experience. Ellie Colbeck shared her gratitude for the support received throughout their careers. “It becomes a big part of your life, and so it is hard. I felt honored by our fans. They traveled really well for us, supported us. Our families have just been there for us through everything, every high and low in our careers, and just very thankful to have them with us here,” she said.
Looking Ahead: Building on Success
The success of the Jackrabbits this season has significantly raised the profile of South Dakota State basketball on a national level. Sophomore guard Katie Vasecka believes the tournament exposure will be invaluable for the program’s future. “Even though we’re an 11 seed [in the tournament], I think a lot of people know that we can fight in this as much as any other team. Just being able to get the exposure that we can through this tournament is going to be great for our program,” she explained.
The Jackrabbits’ performance demonstrates their competitive spirit and potential for continued success. The team’s dedication and the unwavering support of their fans are key ingredients for future achievements. Players like Avery Howell will undoubtedly play a crucial role in building upon this foundation.
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