By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
December 21 marked the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year around here.
It was definitely dark for the NRHEG girls’ basketball team.
The Panthers, playing without Gretchen Ramaker, who’s out for the season after undergoing knee surgery, traveled to St. Peter for a nonconference contest and lost for the first time in six games, 49-39.
“Defensively, we played well,” said Panthers coach Onika Peterson. “We kept them from driving and really plugged up the lane. They hit big outside shots and we didn’t.”
The Panthers, outrebounded 30-29, made 11 of 26 two-point shots and three of 13 threes while hitting six of 16 free throws. The Saints were 8-for-27, 6-for-18 and 13-for-18. NRHEG’s 14 turnovers were three fewer than St. Peter.Individually for NRHEG: Rachel Collins 12 points, five assists; Kayley Camerer nine points, nine rebounds, three blocks, two assists; Marnie Wagner eight points, 10 rebounds, four steals, two assists; Maddie Wagner six points, four rebounds, three assists; Hailey Schuller three points, two steals.
The Panthers lost the junior varsity game 34-21.
The girls headed the other direction Tuesday night and lost 45-31 at Blooming Prairie.
“Coming off a tough loss, we struggled against Blooming,” said Peterson. “They played very well. They rebounded well, defensively were strong and offensively hit their shots. Their height hurt us.”
The Panthers were cold, making seven of 30 two-pointers, three of 24 threes and eight of 17 free throws while watching the Blossoms go 18-for-30 from the floor and 9-for-22 at the line. Blooming attempted only one three-pointer. The Panthers held a 46-25 edge on the boards and committed 15 turnovers to the Blossoms’ 17.
NRHEG leaders: Maddie Wagner 16 points, seven rebounds, four steals; Marnie Wagner nine points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals; Collins four points; Sophie Fischer two points, two rebounds.