Lady Orange prepare for midseason test with Titans, in battle of top five teams
Of the many high school rivalries in southeast Nebraska, few rival that of Beatrice and Norris - and few games will be bigger for each side during the regular season.
By News Channel NebraskaBEATRICE, Neb. - Of the many high school rivalries in southeast Nebraska, few rival that of Beatrice and Norris - and few games will be bigger for each side during the regular season.
For Beatrice, they’ll have a mix of veteran experience and youth, taking their first shot at the Titans.
“I’m really excited. It’s a big game and a big rivalry,” senior Addie Hatcliff said. “I’m confident in us that we can get the win.”
Senior Addie Hatcliff is no stranger to games with the Titans. She’s been a part of Beatrice’s team the last two years, when Norris and the Lady Orange split games. However, one player that hasn’t seen the Titans, is their leading scorer. Alijah Stabler is averaging 18 points per game for the Big Orange, as just a freshman.
“I enjoy playing the group of girls that we have, I’m really happy with how I’m doing, but it’s my team that’s helped me a lot,” Stabler said.
When asked about Stabler’s success, Hatcliff had just one reaciton.
“WOW!,” Hatlciff said. “She’s done really well… She’s helped us a ton, she’s playing with a ton of confidence. Which is good because it’s hard as a freshman to have confidence in yourself, but I think the whole team has showed her she can be confident.”
As far as how Stabler’s preparing for her first rivalry matchup with the Titans, it’s all about staying consistent.
“I just keep telling myself it’s another game,” Stabler said. “And I have a routine before every game to prepare for fans, which will help calm me down more. I’ll just trust my ability and team to trust me.”
Just 20 miles separate the two high schools. For Hatcliff, bragging rights is a big part of what makes Beatrice/Norris special.
“We know a lot of them personally, so it’s a personal game,” Hatcliff said. “It’s fun to compete against people we know and people who know it’s a big game too.”
Beatrice enters at 16-1, fresh off their eighth conference championship in program history, while Norris enters at 12-2.
Tip off is set for 5:30 c.t., with live coverage on 94.7 FM/1450 AM KWBE beginning at 5:00 p.m.