Horyna returns as a Lady Blue Dragon

Bree Horyna watches a shot go up Wednesday night in the Greenhouse. Horyna was a standout Lady Redskins last season and now plays for the Hutchinson Lady Blue Dragons. L&T photo/Earl WattEARL WATT • Leader & Times

Bree Horyna returned to Liberal for a basketball game Wednesday, but this time she was the opponent.

Horyna had a standout career at Liberal High School before making the move to Hutchinson to become a Lady Blue Dragon.

At first, Horyna said the return was a little awkward.

“It was really weird,” she said. “I came in, and I wasn’t sure about this. But I love the atmosphere and the support I received. It was really nice.”

Horyna played 12 minutes and had two rebounds, two steals and an assist.

“It felt good on the court,” she said. “I felt relaxed and at home.”

But the game has changed since her high school days.

“At Hutch it is more intense,” she said. “It is college ball. (Hutch coach) Ontjes coaches us hard, and the intensity in the game is the main difference between college and high school.”

The experience has made her a better player.

“I’ve grown as a player,” she said. “I’ve matured as a player for sure and I’m really excited for next year.”