The Bowman County Bulldogs secured their third consecutive District 7 victory, defeating the Hettinger-Scranton Nighthawks with a score of 60-48 on January 13, 2026. This win at Bowman County High School marked a significant turnaround for the Bulldogs, who began the season with a challenging record of 0-7.
After losing six key seniors and navigating various lineup changes, the Bulldogs have found their rhythm in recent games. Head coach Jaci Mrnak emphasized the importance of confidence-building and learning from mistakes as the team adjusts to the fast pace of varsity play. “It’s just going to take steps, and if we just continue to grow every single game and every single day in practice, that’s what matters,” Mrnak stated.
The game started off with both teams struggling to maintain possession, resulting in a tightly contested first half. However, the Bulldogs began to dominate in the second quarter, executing a 7-1 scoring run that propelled them to a 28-19 lead. The surge was largely fueled by sophomore guard Jordyn Honeyman, who returned from a back injury that sidelined her for the first eight games of the season. Honeyman made her presence felt by scoring 16 points, including three three-pointers.
“It’s good to be back. It’s hard watching my team, so playing with them is fun,” Honeyman remarked. Her performance not only showcased her individual talent but also contributed to the overall team dynamic, as Mrnak noted her ability to lead and inspire her teammates.
As the game progressed, the Nighthawks attempted to mount a comeback in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to five points. However, senior guard Livia Bowman responded decisively, hitting back-to-back three-pointers that extended the Bulldogs’ lead to 45-32 heading into the final quarter. Bowman, who finished with 11 points, acknowledged the importance of her role in the team’s success. “Other teams will key in on our other players which gives me an opportunity, and I’m more than happy to knock those down for my team,” she said.
Although the Nighthawks outscored the Bulldogs 16-15 in the fourth quarter, their chances of a comeback were hampered by foul trouble. Hettinger-Scranton head coach Eric Kelner commented on the team’s effort, noting, “We had a nice start to the game, and then we started a little too handsy on defense and put them on the foul line a lot.” Despite the loss, he expressed optimism about the team’s potential as they move forward in the season.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs are set to continue their District 7 campaign against Grant County/Mott-Regent on January 15, while the Nighthawks face a challenging matchup against the undefeated Flasher on January 17. The recent performance by the Bulldogs indicates a promising trajectory for the remainder of the season, highlighting their resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.
