The Holton girls basketball team earned its first win of the season Tuesday night, knocking off Sabetha 45–36 in front of the home crowd.

Holton (1–9, 1–4) set the tone early, closing the opening quarter with a strong finish to take a 13–8 lead after the first eight minutes of play. The Wildcats’ defensive pressure helped limit Sabetha’s scoring chances, while Holton capitalized on key possessions to build the early advantage.

Sabetha (2–8, 1–4) responded in the second quarter, finding more offensive rhythm and outscoring Holton 12–11. Despite the Bluejays’ push, the Wildcats maintained control heading into the locker room with a 24–20 halftime lead.

Momentum swung further toward Sabetha coming out of the break. The Bluejays put together their best stretch of the night in the third quarter, playing well on both ends of the floor and outscoring Holton 10–5. That surge trimmed the Wildcats’ lead to just one point, 30–29, heading into the final quarter.

Offense was hard to come by for both teams in the fourth quarter as defenses tightened and possessions became more deliberate. With the game tied at 34 late in the period, Holton delivered the decisive run of the night. The Wildcats put together a 7–0 surge over the final minutes, creating separation and securing the nine-point victory.

Lili Tanking led the way for Holton with 14 points and seven rebounds, providing a strong presence on both ends of the floor. Hannah Watkins added 10 points, while Beka Lassey contributed eight points and eight rebounds to round out a balanced Wildcats effort.

Sabetha was led by Macey Drahota and Kiera Keim, who each scored nine points. Paxton Michael and Sidney Schubarth added five points apiece for the Bluejays.