Prairie Girls Basketball Starts Strong with 3-1 Record

The Prairie High School girls basketball team has kicked off the 2024-25 season with an impressive record of 3-1, showcasing their potential for another successful year. The Mustangs posted a 14-11 record last season and advanced to the second round of the Class 1A regionals. Their early performance this winter suggests they are on track to build upon that achievement.

The season began with a narrow loss to Caliche, where the Mustangs fell 41-40. This close contest highlighted the team’s resilience, particularly through junior player Hannah Kugler, who scored an impressive 23 points. Kugler reflected on the experience, stating, “Going into the Caliche game, we knew it was going to be tough regardless. I’m proud of how we came together as a team by the fourth quarter and made a comeback to almost tie it up.”

Following the initial setback, Prairie bounced back strongly, defeating Peetz 56-38, Lone Star 46-37, and Union Colony Prep 51-30. Kugler noted the team’s growth in both skill and cohesion since the opening game. “From that first loss on December 5, I’ve seen tremendous growth in smart passes and tough defense,” she said.

A significant factor in the Mustangs’ success is Kugler’s scoring prowess. Averaging 31.2 points per game, she leads all players in Colorado across all classifications. This remarkable statistic places her at No. 11 in the nation. Kugler attributes her scoring success to her commitment during the summer, where she participated in various AAU club programs. “I’m super grateful for my coaches who encouraged me out of my comfort zone this past year and the amazing girls I’ve got to play with pushing me to be my best,” she explained.

As the calendar turned to 2025, the Mustangs finished their schedule with a record of 2-1, including a loss to Sedgwick County (44-17) followed by victories over DCA (41-39) and Haxtun (33-22). Kugler emphasized the depth of talent on the team, stating, “Talent-wise, we have more athleticism than we arguably ever have, and we have more than three girls that can easily be rotated in for the starters.”

The upcoming games promise to be an exciting test for the Mustangs as they continue to refine their strategies and build on their early successes. With a strong start and a talented roster, the Prairie girls basketball team is poised for an engaging season ahead.