The Harrisburg Lady Bulldogs ended their season at the hands of second-ranked Tipton Tuesday evening in the Class 2 state sectional round. Despite a valiant effort and remaining within six points into the third quarter, they eventually fell to their formidable opponent, 58-25.

Harrisburg finishes the first season under head coach Jaryt Hunziker at 22-7 overall with a district championship. It’s Hunziker’s first season with the Lady Bulldogs and the best finish for the team since winning the state title in 2012.

Tuesday’s game began with a defensive stand-off, with both teams exuding great effort and execution to keep the other from scoring. Harrisburg used a 2-3 zone, and Tipton deployed a man-to-man defense. Tipton owned a narrow 8-4 lead at the end of the tight first period.

Both offenses found a rhythm in the second quarter. With Tipton paying close attention to the Lady Bulldogs’ main scoring threats, Harrisburg junior Jaidyn Stephenson found room and nailed a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 10-7.

After a Harrisburg timeout, junior Lorelai Hunziker hit another three, tying the game at 10 apiece with just over five minutes remaining in the half.

Tipton connected on a triple on the following possession, but senior Avelina McKinzie quickly answered with two points for the Lady Bulldogs.

Tipton scored from inside on its next possession and took a timeout right after the basket, leading 15-12 with 3:36 left in the half. The Cardinals’ defense only allowed two free throws by junior Poppy Spry for the rest of the half as they went up 23-14 at the break.

“Our girls did an amazing job in the first half. We kept them out of the paint, rebounded better, and were very patient on offense,” Coach Hunziker said. “The clock was our friend tonight as we tried to keep the ball out of their hands and keep the score down.”

Stephenson led off the scoring in the second half, hitting a big three in the first minute of play. 

Tipton hit two free throws, but McKinzie answered with another two to keep Harrisburg within one possession.

Tipton answered with a 16-3 run in the quarter to lead 41-22 heading into the final period.

Harrisburg fought hard, but their only points in the final period came from sophomore Brette Ackman’s 3-pointer as the Lady Bulldogs season ended with a 58-25 loss.

“I have to give a lot of credit to Tipton. They’re an excellent team and relentless on defense,” Coach Hunziker said. “We couldn’t find ways to score in the second half.”

McKinzie led the Lady Bulldogs with eight points in her final high school game. Stephenson added six, and Spry posted five points.

“I’m so proud of these girls,” Coach Hunziker said. “They did a great job laying the foundation of my vision for this program going forward.”

Coach Hunziker had great praise for his two seniors. “Macie Ellis is a Harrisburg kid. She’s been here her whole career. She’s a mother hen to our team and makes sure everyone’s at the right place at the right time. She had a great year. Avelina is new to the program but had a great year. She can score and handle the ball, and her length gives a lot of teams defensive trouble.

“This has been an awesome first year,” Coach Hunziker added. “This team works so hard, and we have never dreaded coming to practice. This group was always ready to work and was a joy to coach. My family and I are happy and proud to be members of the Bulldog family.”

On Saturday, Tipton defeated Clopton (24-3) at home, 65-43, to advance to the state semifinals for the third straight season. The Lady Cardinals, now 23-7, face St. Vincent at 10 a.m. on Friday. the winner will play for the state title at 4 p.m. on Saturday.