Panthers drop state championship rematch with Kenyon-Wanamingo
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
It’s been a season of streaks for the NRHEG girls’ basketball team.
After winning five in a row to start the season, the Panthers dropped two straight before reeling off another four wins.
They snapped another two-game skid Saturday, defeating Stewartville 68-52 in a nonconference game at Hayfield. The Panthers, 2-2 in the Gopher Conference, improved to 10-4 overall.
The Panthers made 19 of 32 two-pointers, 6 of 38 threes and 12 of 17 free throws as Stewartville was 12-for-29, 6-for-18 and 10-for-23. The Panthers outrebounded the Tigers 37-23.
Individual leaders: Maddie Wagner 18 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 1 block; Marnie Wagner 17 points, 3 rebounds; Rachel Collins 12 points, 3 rebounds; Kayley Camerer 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block; Hailey Schuller 4 points, 3 rebounds; Emily Eder 4 points, 2 rebounds; Betsy Schoenrock 4 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks; Kelly Harden 4 rebounds, 4 assists.WEM 64, NRHEG 55
The Panthers had trouble at times against the Bucs’ height Friday, Jan. 8 in New Richland.
“Defensively, we would narrow in on Winter driving or at the high post and she would have two 5-10 post players to drop it into on the inside,” said Peterson. “When we adjusted and tried to focus a little more on the inside, they had a couple girls hit some key three-shots. We cut their lead a couple of times but just weren't able to get over the hump tonight. We look forward to playing them again later in the season.”
Leaders: Marnie Wagner 22 points, 4 rebounds; Maddie Wagner 11 points, 6 steals, 4 assists, 3 blocks; Camerer 9 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals; Collins 6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; Harden 5 points, 2 steals; Schuller 2 points.
The junior varsity won 47-37.
Kenyon-Wanamingo 63, NRHEG 50
The Panthers fell short in a rematch of the 2013-14 state championship game Tuesday, Jan. 5 in New Richland.
“We got the shots we wanted, but they wouldn't go in,” said Peterson. “Kenyon shot the ball very well.”
Every time the Panthers got within four or five points, the Knights hit a big shot. Kenyon-Wanamingo outrebounded the Panthers 52-29.
Leaders: Maddie Wagner 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; Marnie Wagner 11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists; Camerer 7 points, 10 rebounds; Collins 4 points, 4 rebounds; Fischer 4 points, 4 rebounds; Harden 4 points, 2 steals; Schuller 3 points.
“We shot very well against Hayfield Saturday, but tonight wasn't our night,” said Peterson.
The JV won 45-29.