NRHEG Sports (656)
The latest game results and prognostications for NRHEG.{jcomments on}
NRHEG girls host Hayfield Friday
ADVANTAGE, PANTHERS — NRHEG sophomore Carlie Wagner (3) goes to the basket for a layup despite the efforts of a Triton defender during Tuesday night's sub-section opener in New Richland. The top-seeded, undefeated Panthers won 56-35. They'll face fourth-seeded Hayfield Friday, March 2 at 7 p.m. in New Richland. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The opening round of the sub-section tournament was not a surprise for fans of the NRHEG girls’ basketball team.
The top-seeded, undefeated Panthers were rusty coming off a 12-day layoff but still cruised to a 56-35 victory over eighth-seeded Triton in New Richland Tuesday night.
“It was a very sloppy game for us,” said NRHEG coach John Schultz. “It’s been 12 days since we have had a game and it showed.’’
But the Cobras were feisty, especially in the first half as NRHEG trudged to a 28-16 halftime lead.
“Triton had a lot to do with that,” said Schultz. “They defended our fast break well and rebounded right with us. We didn't get enough second shots on offense and made one too many passes on the breaks.”
BACK TO STATE — NRHEG senior Seth Petranek, right, earns a victory Saturday at Blue Earth and a second straight trip to the state tournament. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
NRHEG coach Paul Cyr had high hopes for two and mixed hopes for several others entering the Section 2A Individual Wrestling Tournament.
The two came through.
Seniors Dustin Esplan and Seth Petranek advanced to the state tournament while four others just missed in last weekend’s section tournament that concluded Saturday night at Blue Earth.
Esplan was most impressive in taking the 120-pound championship, winning by fall and, in the finals, by technical fall. He’ll take a record of 36-4 to state, where he finished third last year at 119.
Petranek was the runner-up at 182, falling 10-6 to USC’s Brady Thisius in the finals. Petranek, like Esplan a two-time state entrant, is 33-7. He was 2-2 at state last year and did not place at 189.
Panthers prepare for playoffs after nonconference loss at Waseca
SENIOR STRONG — The seven seniors on the 2011-12 NRHEG boys' basketball team are, from left, Pete Blowers, Matt Carlson, Tyler Sorenson, Carter Tollefson, Spencer Hanna, Sam Lundberg and Lucas Meyer. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG boys’ basketball team finished the regular season with a tough game against a tough opponent.
Hopefully, it toughened the Panthers for tournament play.
NRHEG dropped its regular-season finale 67-42 last Tuesday at Waseca. The Panthers, who lost a plethora of close contests this season, fell to 9-17. The Bluejays improved to 11-12 under first-year head coach Todd Dufault.
“Waseca's defense was the story of the game,” said NRHEG coach Pat Churchill. “They took us out of everything we wanted to do offensively. Their pressure man-to-man defense gave us nothing inside of 15 feet. We settled for outside shots and we were not hitting anything. You have to give Waseca credit for how hard and physical they played. It took us out of rhythm offensively and we were flustered all night.”
No. 2 ranked NRHEG girls end regular season without a loss
IT’S UNDER CONTROL — NRHEG senior Anna Schlaak (33) dribbles in the lane during the Panthers’ victory over Medford last Tuesday. In the background is NRHEG’s Katie Cole (14). The Panthers completed a 26-0 regular season with a win Friday at Randolph. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
PASS IT ON — The Panthers’ Hannah Lundberg (21) looks to pass the ball during last week’s game against Medford. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The only thing in question for the NRHEG girls’ basketball team last week was the scores.
Everyone knew the unbeaten Gopher Conference champions would win to complete the regular season 26-0, best in school history. Even with starting guard Jade Schultz sidelined, the Panthers blew past Medford 67-35 last Tuesday and blasted Randolph 73-28 Friday.
The Panthers, ranked No. 2 and the only unbeaten team in Class AA, are the No. 1 seed in the sub-section and will host No. 8 Triton Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. If they win, they’ll host a game Friday, March 2 at 7 p.m. From there the tournament moves to Minnesota State-Mankato and Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter.
But coach John Schultz isn’t thinking about that just yet. He’s more than happy with the one-game-at-a-time approach that’s gotten the Panthers this far. Though they won their fourth consecutive Gopher Conference title, they’re aiming for their first state tournament berth since 2004.
WHERE WILL HE LAND? — NRHEG senior Seth Petranek has Blue Earth Area’s Kysten Zierke in a precarious position during Section 2A Dual Meet action at Mapleton Saturday. Petranek won the match 10-6 and the Panthers won the meet 39-33. They went on to fall 56-11 to eventual section champion Jackson County Central. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Things worked out about as expected Saturday for the NRHEG wrestling team.
The Panthers put together what coach Paul Cyr called a workmanlike effort in defeating Blue Earth Area 39-23 before falling 56-11 to eventual champion Jackson County Central in the Section 2A Dual Meet Tournament at Mapleton.
“JCC proved to be the dominant force in our section as they ran over the competition in their three dual meets,” said Cyr, whose team finished the dual-meet season with a 16-6 record.
The highlights in the BEA meet, according to Cyr, were a fall by Dillon Kubiatowicz at 106 pounds and a victory by Dillon Parpart at 160 which avenged a loss earlier in the season. Pins by Dustin Esplan and David Lassahn helped provide some cushion.
Panthers put together back-to-back victories
Written by Jim Lutgens
EXCUSE PLEASE — NRHEG’s Nic Mangskau grabs a rebound between Randolph defenders during the Panthers’ 64-20 victory last Friday. (Star Eagle photos by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG boys’ basketball team could be getting hot at the right time.
The Panthers, who have lost numerous closes contests this season, made it three of four wins by sinking Medford 60-52 last Tuesday and rocking Randolph 64-20 on Friday.
The Panthers improved to 9-16 overall and finished 6-10 in the Gopher Conference.
Coach Pat Churchill called the game at Medford hard fought.
“We did some very nice things,” he said. “We moved the ball well against their zone and got some great looks. Against their man we ran our motion and got some very good shots.”
PIN TO WIN — The Panthers’ Nathan Krohn tries to put WEM/JWP’s Mitch Wolter on his back during the 152-pound match at New Richland last Thursday. Krohn won by fall and the Panthers won the dual meet 42-27 to tie for the conference title. (Star Eagle photos by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Conference champions.
Back in December, it was one of the goals for the NRHEG wrestling team.
As the season unfolded, however, it looked like a big hill to climb.
The Panthers reached the top of it last Thursday, defeating WEM/JWP 42-27 to capture a tie for the Gopher Conference crown.
“I was very happy with our guys,” said NRHEG coach Paul Cyr. “We have struggled with injuries all season long. The guys had a chance to tie for the conference title and they wrestled very well.”
A key, according to Cyr, was getting through the Grizzlies’ tough wrestlers in the lower weights. But, after falling behind 15-0, the Panthers reeled off six straight wins: Dustin Esplan, fall, 126 pounds; Tyler Logan, 10-5, 132; Jacob Staloch, 9-4, 138; David Lassahn, fall, 145; Nathan Krohn, fall, 152; and Dillon Parpart, 6-3, 160.
Sophomore guard suffers sprained ankle in 59-43 victory at Blue Earth Area
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG girls’ basketball team won a key game, but suffered a big loss.
During the second half of the Panthers’ 59-43 nonconference victory at Blue Earth Area Monday night, starting guard Jade Schultz went down with a severe ankle injury.
The good news is that Schultz has some time to heal before tournament play begins and the Panthers, rated No. 2 in the state in Class AA, won handily to improve to 24-0 overall.
“We were cold beyond the arc, shooting 1-17, but made up with it on the boards outrebounding BEA 40-19,” said NRHEG coach John Schultz. “We had troubles with Hassing roaming through our defense but kept their perimeter shooters in check. This was a great test for us playing a very athletic good defensive team like BEA. Anna Schlaak also had a good scoring night for us. She really helped carry us the first half with 11 of her points.”
BIG WIN — NRHEG sophomore Jarek Schendel goes up for a shot during the Panthers’ 62-29 victory over St. Clair last week. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG boys’ basketball team experienced both ends of the scoreboard spectrum last week.
On Monday, they faced a shorthanded St. Clair squad and rolled to a 62-29 triumph.
Three nights later they traveled to Waterville and were brought to earth by the powerful Buccaneers, 78-48.
The Panthers’ record stands at 7-16 overall and 4-10 in the Gopher Conference. Several of the losses have been very close.
That wasn’t the case against St. Clair as the Panthers bolted to a 34-12 halftime lead and never looked back. The Cyclones were without three starters.
Panthers claim Gopher crown, improve overall record to 22-0
CATCH US IF YOU CAN — Carlie Wagner leads the fast break at Janesville last Friday during the Panthers’ 80-33 victory. Also pictured are the Panthers’ Katie Cole (14) and Tori Raimann (11). (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The games weren’t exactly thrillers, but some excitement came out of it for the NRHEG girls’ basketball team.
The Panthers, in the midst of one of their best seasons ever, clinched the Gopher Conference championship outright last week by hammering JWP 80-33 on Friday and blowing out Blooming Prairie 63-30 on Tuesday.
The Panthers improved to 13-0 in the conference, four games ahead of second-place USC with three games to play. NRHEG is 22-0 overall and rated No. 2 in the state in Class 2A.
The outcome of neither game was in doubt, especially at Janesville where the Panthers led 50-17 at the intermission.
As it has been all season, rebounding was key for NRHEG.
“I was very impressed with our rebound totals, 60-24,” said coach John Schultz. “That tells me we were hustling.”
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By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The endurance test lasted three days and included eight dual meets for the NRHEG wrestling team.
By all accounts, the Panthers passed.
NRHEG improved its dual meet record to 14-5 by winning six of eight — including five in a row to finish — as they traveled to Kenyon-Wanamingo on Thursday, Lakeville South Friday and Wabasha-Kellogg Saturday.
“I was extremely pleased with our efforts over the three days,” said NRHEG coach Paul Cyr. “We scheduled this with the intention of testing all of us — coaches included — and it certainly proved to be just that. We responded very well.”
At Kenyon, the Panthers defeated Pine Island 35-33 and lost to the host team 45-15.
“We bounced back from a tough night and were 5-1 the next two days,” said Cyr.
GOING UP — The Panthers’ Spencer Hanna goes to the hoop for a shot at Janesville last Friday. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
DISHING OFF — NRHEG’s Sam Lundberg delivers a no-look pass during the Panthers’ 65-62 loss at Janesville Friday. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG boys’ basketball team snapped a five-game losing skid last week.
A miracle shot by Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton started another one three nights later.
The Panthers, who have played tough but fell short many times this season, ended their rough stretch with a 57-48 triumph at Blooming Prairie on Tuesday, but fell 65-62 to JWP Friday on a three-point basket in the final seconds.
It left the NRHEG boys 6-15 overall and 4-9 in the Gopher Conference.
According to coach Pat Churchill, a stretch late in the first half was the determining factor against JWP.
The Panthers led by 10 with 4:30 left in the first half and had a chance to break it open, but the Bulldogs went on an 11-2 run and NRHEG was up 35-34 at halftime.
NRHEG girls complete 3-0 week with win over Goodhue
CRUNCH TIME — NRHEG’s Carlie Wagner (3) tries to get a handle on the ball between a pair of USC defenders during the Panthers’ 89-57 victory at New Richland Thursday, Jan. 26. It was part of a 3-0 week that included an overtime win over BA and a victory over a 17-2 Goodhue team. At back left is the Panthers’ Raelin Schue. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
It was billed as a clash of the titans.
The NRHEG girls’ basketball team turned it into a mismatch.
The Panthers, rated No. 2 in the state in Class AA, took a big early lead and cruised to a 77-68 victory over a 17-2 Goodhue team Saturday night at Carleton College in Northfield. It completed a 3-0 week for NRHEG, which improved to 20-0 overall and 11-0 in the Gopher Conference. The Panthers are the last remaining undefeated team in Class AA.
“I was very proud of our efforts tonight,” said coach John Schultz. “Goodhue (ranked No. 2 in Class A) had just beat Kenyon-Wanamingo by 30 and also beat previously undefeated Pine Island last week. We knew they were a quality team coming in. We rose to the occasion.”
The Panthers took a 12-2 lead to start the game, led by 18 at half and increased it to 27 midway through the second half. They were up by 23 with four minutes left when Schultz cleared the bench.
Panthers drop tough one to Waseca, win big one over LARP
TWO FOR A TAKEDOWN — NRHEG’s Jacob Staloch takes down Waseca’s Tanner Pehrson during last Thursday’s nonconference dual meet at New Richland. The Panthers lost 34-32. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
LOCKDOWN — The Panthers’ Matt Dahle attempts a move on Waseca’s Jon Trevino at New Richland last Thursday. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG wrestling team ran its dual-meet record to 8-3 when it went 1-2 last week.
The Panthers lost 34-32 to Waseca at home Thursday. On Saturday at Kasson, they defeated Lewiston-Altura/Rushford-Peterson 35-33 while falling 60-10 to Simley, rated No. 1 in the state in Class AAA.
Coach Paul Cyr was not happy with what happened against Waseca.
“We were very disappointed in the outcome of the dual meet,” said Cyr. “We had to hold some of our guys out due to match count issues and it came back to haunt us. Frankly, it was a poor job of matching up and coaching on my part. I feel badly for our guys in that respect. Give Waseca credit. They wrestled well when they had to and didn’t give falls which ultimately made the difference.”
For those unfamiliar with the term “match count,” the Minnesota State High School League allows each wrestler to compete in 36 matches before the section tournament.