The Cardinals outscored NRHEG by a single point in the second half.
“We built up a nice lead, but were never able to really pull away from them,” said Churchill. “Because we shot so well, it helped us to control the boards. FBA did not get an offensive rebound the entire first half.”
NRHEG showed great scoring balance with four players reaching double figures.
Kevin “Big Country” Kalis paced the Panthers with 19 points, Trevor Tracy pumped in 17, Spencer Tollefson scored 15 and Oakley Baker added 10.
The Cardinals also had four double-digit scorers. Fred Rolstad and Kyle Novak scored 13 points apiece, with Clayton Merrit and Joe Matejcek adding 10 apiece.
“FBA does a run and jump press that I felt Spencer (Tollefson) handled about as well as anyone could,” said Churchill. “He dictated how the game was played, and beat the press to give us some great looks on offense.”
Tollefson topped the Panther rebounders with 10 boards, two more than Kalis. “Tully” also came up with four steals.
“The kids are pretty excited getting off to a good start,” said Churchill. “We’ve come a long ways since last year, but know that we need to keep working and getting better.”
The NRHEG junior varsity captured a 47-33 win over the Cardinals.
NRHEG tangled with United South Central in Wells Tuesday.
The Panthers have another tough road game at Maple River Friday.
NRHEG will compete in the Mankato Bethany Holiday Tournament Dec. 26, 27, 28.
