FAST BREAK — Sophomore Jade Schultz (12) scored 23 points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds as the NRHEG girls’ basketball team defeated Mankato Loyola 68-37 to start the Gopher Conference season Tuesday, Dec. 6. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG girls’ basketball team played only one game last week, and maybe that’s a good thing.
It left more time to practice.
The Panthers survived what coach John Schultz called an “ugly, frustrating game” at Mankato Loyola Tuesday, Dec. 6, winning 67-38 to start the Gopher Conference season 1-0 and improve to 3-0 overall. But it wasn’t easy. At least not at the start.
“We had a lot of turnovers and missed shots,” said Schultz. “Our rebounding and hustle on defense made the difference.”
Also helping was a 12-2 run to start the second half, extending the Panthers’ 30-17 halftime lead and putting them in control.
“Our pressure really took over right after halftime,” said Schultz. “The girls are playing through the mistakes and will improve on the turnovers. I am proud of our efforts on the boards. Loyola is a much improved team. We simply took them for granted and got surprised.”
The Panthers outrebounded the Crusaders 53-23, with 16 turnovers to the visitors’ 23. NRHEG was 23-for-84 from the floor and 12-for-28 on free throws, Loyola 16-for-66 and 5-for-15.
Sophomore standouts Carlie “The Dagger” Wagner and Jade “The Jewel” Schultz led the Panthers with 23 points each. Schultz hit three three-pointers, adding a game-high 12 rebounds and three assists. Wagner had 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals.
Also for the Panthers: Tori Raimann five points, five rebounds; Raelin Schue five points; Kayla Lindell three points; Hannah Lundberg two points, five rebounds; Anna Schlaak one point, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals; Katie Cole one point, five rebounds.
NRHEG’s B-squad won 67-28.
The Panthers hosted Bethlehem Academy Tuesday, Dec. 13. They travel to United South Central Friday, Dec. 16 and to Blooming Prairie Tuesday, Dec. 20.
