The Panthers got 20 points and 10 rebounds from junior Oakley Baker, 19 points and 10 rebounds from senior John Cole.
Others: Chad Agrimson five points, six rebounds, five assists; Luke Overgaard 10 points; Benji Lundberg four points, five assists; Jack Schultz two points; Dempsey Tucker one point; Cole Ignaszewski three points.
Anthony Nelson led the Blossoms with 19 points. Dawson Heuer scored six, Marten Morem four, Mitchell Jones four. The Blossoms’ record fell to 5-10
The Panthers built an early double-digit lead and were never threatened the rest of the way. It was 35-21 at halftime.
The NRHEG junior varsity played equally well, winning 53-34.
NRHEG 68, USC 38
The Panthers trailed early at New Richland Friday, falling behind 5-0 before getting things rolling and holding the Rebels to 28-percent shooting for the game.
“We really set a tone on the defensive end,” said Churchill.
The Panthers took a 10-point lead with five minutes left in the first half and led 32-16 at halftime.
Leaders: Baker 26 points, eight rebounds; Cole nine points, seven rebounds; Agrimson eight points; Overgaard eight points; Lundberg 12 points, five assists; Sam Prigge two points; Nic Shultz three points.
Ryan Kloos scored 19 for the Rebels. Others: Trevor Stencel six, Jordan Kirkeide four, Laddy Benes four.
The loss dropped USC to 8-5.
NRHEG’s junior varsity won 73-53.
