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MINE — The Panthers’ Anna Schlaak grabs a rebound Saturday evening against Hayfield. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The Hayfield Vikings came to New Richland with a good defensive game plan to stop the NRHEG girls’ basketball team.
It worked only so well.
The undefeated Panthers were held to a 22-17 halftime lead and went on to win 50-40 in a nonconference game Saturday night.
“Hayfield really matched up with us nicely on defense,” said NRHEG coach John Schultz. “The biggest difference in the game was the team rebounds where we almost doubled them. We were frustrated with missing so many bunny shots. We were glad to get them, but we just couldn’t connect. I was happy with our man defense we used a lot of the second half. Hayfield is much better than their record indicates, very well coached.”
The Panthers, rated No. 3 in the state in Class AA in the most recent poll, improved their overall record to 11-0. They’re 5-0 and alone atop the Gopher Conference.
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ON HIS GAME — Tyler Sorenson of the Panthers (11) goes up for a shot against Hayfield Saturday night. Coach Pat Churchill said the senior is playing very good basketball right now. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG boys’ basketball team fell short against a strong Hayfield team Saturday night, dropping a 56-45 nonconference decision in New Richland.
The Panthers fell to 3-9 overall. The Vikings improved to 10-3.
It was a hard fought, physical, defensive game, according to Panthers coach Pat Churchill, whose team jumped to an early six-point lead. Hayfield slowly got the momentum — particularly at the foul line, where they shot 35 free throws, 14 in the first half — and took a 27-19 halftime advantage.
“We were fouling a little bit too much and letting them get opportunities from the line,” said Churchill. “Fortunately they didn't shoot well from the line tonight, only making 16 for the game.”
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By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG girls’ basketball team hosted Tri-City United in a nonconference game Monday night and won 67-34 in New Richland.
The Panthers, who led 34-18 at halftime, overcame what coach John Schultz called too many turnovers and sub-par three-point shooting.
“We played sloppy offense and did not take care of the ball, 18 turnovers is too high,” said the coach. “We did not shoot very well from three-point line as we went 6-32; that frustrated us.”
That changed in the second half, when the Panthers went on a 10-0 lead and quickly built the lead to 30.
The Panthers outrebounded the visitors 38-18. They were 20-for-51 on two-point field goals.
NRHEG individual leaders: Carlie Wagner 26 points, four rebounds, eight steals; Jade Schultz nine points, five rebounds; Katie Cole six points, four rebounds; Anna Schlaak five points, eight rebounds, four assists, six steals; Marnie Wagner five points; Danielle Krueger four points; Maddie Wagner four points; Abby Crabtree three points; Tori Raimann two points, five rebounds; Raelin Schue two points, five rebounds, two blocked shots; Hannah Lundberg one point.
“Everyone scored on our team tonight, I’m very happy with that,” said Coach Schultz. “Our bench did very well. The girls worked hard. It was a good team win.
The Panthers ran their record to 10-0 overall. They’re 5-0 in the conference.
NRHEG’s B-squad also remained undefeated, winning 63-22.
The Panthers host Hayfield in a boy-girl Saturday doubleheader Jan. 7 at 6 p.m.