The 4th-seeded Lightning girls basketball team began their playoff journey on Friday, February 25th, looking for their first ever regional title. #5 Omro took the lead early over LCL, following messy play from both teams to begin the game. While the Foxes led 11-4 at one point in the first half, the Lightning crawled back, going into the half only down 10-14. Lexi Wangerin’s steal and fast break layup helped create and channel energy for the hungry LCL program. As the second half began, Omro continued holding their consistent lead until the Lightning rallied back even stronger than they already had, with a Lauren Cleary three-pointer allowing LCL to take the lead, 18-16. Addie Reimer and Maddie Ratzow contributed scores of their own to up the Lightning lead to 24-18 over the Foxes, but unfortunately, the LCL girls would not be able to hold on. Omro finished the game playing strong, and snagged the upset win, 36-34.
While the outcome was unexpected and not what the team would’ve ideally wanted, the way the girls played all year was incredible, and it served as a perfect example of how to live out the message of J.O.Y. The Lightning finished 18-7 on the season overall, with a perfect 14-0 conference record.
The #1 seed Lightning boys basketball team will make their run for state beginning this coming Friday, March 4th, at home. Be sure to show up and cheer the team on just as was done for the girls’ playoff game.