By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Four games into the season, things are looking good for the NRHEG girls’ basketball team.
The Panthers raised their record to 4-0 last week, avenging a nonconference loss to Waseca last year while upending Maple River in Gopher Conference action.
Kayley Camerer carried the Panthers to a 54-38 victory at home Friday over Maple River. The junior totaled 25 points, 16 rebounds, three steals and three blocked shots. Marnie Wagner had 12 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals, Maddie Wagner six points, six rebounds, four assists and one block. Also scoring: Hailey Schuller five, Gabi Muri three, Gretchen Ramaker three.
The Panthers were 11-for-41 on two-point field goals, 5-for-19 on threes and 17-for-30 at the free-throw line while the Eagles went 13-for-39, 2-for-14 and 6-for-17. NRHEG outrebounded Maple River 46-42 and had 15 turnovers to the visitors’ 16.“We struggled running our offense at times,” said NRHEG coach Onika Peterson. “We didn't seem as confident in our abilities as they were Tuesday against Waseca. There was a five-minute span in the first half where we got outworked — hustling, rebounding, etc. When we came out in the second half it seemed to be running a little smoother. It will be nice next week to be able to break down our mistakes, watch film, get back to some basics since we only have one game on Friday against Medford.”
The Panther junior varsity won 46-35.
The Panthers traveled to Waseca Tuesday and beat the Bluejays 57-50, avenging last year’s loss that ended a long winning streak for NRHEG.
“With one of our girls injured, we were one girl down and the team really stepped up,” said Coach Peterson. “We were able to attack the basket, and we crashed well on the boards. We made key free throws at the end of the game, which was huge for us, going 16-for-20 in the second half.”
The Panthers outrebounded the Bluejays 37-34 while overcoming 18 turnovers to Waseca’s 12. NRHEG was 10-for-38 on twos, 7-for-31 on threes and 16-for-22 at the line while Waseca was 11-for-32, 6-for-22 and 10-for-12.
Individually for the Panthers: Maddie Wagner 20 points, eight rebounds, four steals, three assists; Marnie Wagner 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals, one block; Rachel Collins seven points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block; Camerer six points, six rebounds, two assists; Emily Eder two points.
NRHEG’s JV lost 39-36 after trailing 24-12 at halftime.