Panthers make 1-point lead last in squeaker
The Panthers continued to play strong against Hayfield on Saturday, Jan. 3, turning around a narrow lead with 5 minutes left in the game.
NRHEG got their 54-48 victory after a long close battle.
“The word I would use to describe this game was grinder,” said coach Pat Churchill. “Hayfield tried to grind this game to a halt.”
In the first four minutes there were four possessions.“The first half was tight all the way,” said Churchill. “No team had a lead more than four in the first half, and NRHEGtook a one-point lead into the half for 22-21.”
Hayfield took it back later in the game, and led by 5 points with 9 minutes left.
Then NRHEG pulled ahead for a win in the last 5 minutes thanks to a couple of 3-pointers.
Spencer Tollefson led with 15 points, followed by Trevor Tracy with 13.
Other pointwinners were Macoy Schwierjohan with 8 points, Kevin Kalis with 8, Oakley Baker with 7, and John Cole with 3.
Cameron Rutledge led the Hayfield scoring with 15 points, followed by Tayler Ausrud with 11 and Aaron Anderson with 10.
The Panther Jr. Varsity beat Hayfield by a narrow 49-47.
NRHEG will next play WEM Friday at home.
Take Bethany Invite 3rd place 74-66
The Panthers beat the Fairmont Cardinals 74-66 in the third-place game of the Bethany Lutheran College Holiday Tournament on in Mankato.