Jackson Embry would like a do-over if he could get one.

Wayne’s basketball coach has been overthinking his decision to sit freshman Natalie Knobloch for all but two minutes of the first half of Saturday night’s District matchup against host Hydro-Eakly.

Knoblach, the team’s leading rebounder and second-leading scorer, picked up two quick fouls and did not return until the third quarter. By then, Wayne trailed 21-14, and Knobloch had one point.

“I probably should have let it play out and plugged her back in with the game being so close and a District title on the line,” Embry told The Register. “I’ve replayed that scenario in my head a million times, definitely wish I would’ve put her back in and let it play out.”

Wayne lost 52-42 and must win its next game to extend its season.

The Bulldogs face Snyder at Canute on Thursday at 6 p.m. to open Regional play.

“We played well in spurts,” Embry said. “I was pleased with our effort defensively and the energy we played with for the majority of the game.

“We just got outworked on the boards, which is uncharacteristic of our girls. Hydro-Eakly had a lot of second-chance opportunities that allowed them to beat us.”

Knobloch, who averages 12.5 points and 12.3 rebounds, finished with 11 points. Taelyn Ringwald led Wayne (11-13) with 14 points and Audra Watts had eight.

Boys

Wayne fell behind early to Hydro-Eakly and never recovered in a 67-33 loss. The Bobcats led 21-5 after one quarter and 38-11 at halftime.

“Hydro-Eakly got after us very quickly,” Embry told The Register. “They were big and physical in the post, which gave us some issues, and we couldn’t match their energy on both ends of the floor.”

Ben Fisher scored 15 points to lead the Bulldogs (11-12), who will attempt to extend their season against Snyder on Thursday night following the girls’ game.

“We are looking forward to some early-morning practices this week and getting ready to make a run through the consolation side of the bracket,” Emby said.