When a tournament cancellation unexpectedly cleared the calendar, Strafford Lady Indians Head Coach Dustin Larsen had a choice: fill the gap with something safe, or schedule the storm. He chose the storm. The Lady Indians stepped into a high-stakes, last-minute showdown with Incarnate Word Academy, the eight-time defending Class 6 state champion. What followed was a postseason-caliber battle in the heart of February,  and a revealing glimpse at what Strafford is building.

🎧 Hear the full conversation with Coach Larsen:

Strafford answered the challenge early, building a six-point halftime lead and proving they belonged on the same floor as the state’s gold standard. But championship programs don’t blink. Incarnate Word’s depth, size, and relentless defensive pressure flipped the momentum in the second half, forcing turnovers, capitalizing on missed opportunities, and ultimately securing a 63–58 victory. It was a five-point loss that carried far more weight than the final margin, a true measuring-stick moment against an elite, battle-tested roster.

On the show, Coach Larsen gets candid about why he scheduled the matchup in the first place, and what he told his team afterward. He breaks down the momentum swings, key in-game adjustments, and even a coaching decision he wishes he could replay. His message is clear: this wasn’t about February, it was about March.

You don’t grow by avoiding giants, you grow by facing them. The matchup exposed areas for improvement while reinforcing Strafford’s resilience, composure, and competitive edge. Junior Leslie Hensley embraced the spotlight and the opportunity, echoing what many in the gym felt: they’d welcome a rematch. Now sitting at 19–3 with losses only to elite competition, Strafford turns toward Catholic and Reeds Spring before district play begins. The loss may sting, but the lesson echoes louder. In scheduling the storm, the Lady Indians proved they aren’t chasing comfort, they’re chasing championships.