By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
With one of their triple towers still on the sideline, it was time for the rest of the NRHEG boys’ basketball players to step up.
They did.
Two Panthers accomplished double-doubles Tuesday in a win over Blooming Prairie and the momentum carried into Friday with a victory over United South Central to complete a 2-0 week. NRHEG improved to 10-6 overall, 5-2 in the Gopher Conference.
NRHEG 64, Blooming Prairie 36
Coach Pat Churchill credited the Panthers’ defense after a Gopher Conference triumph at New Richland.
“When you only give up 36 points, that is something to hang your hat on,” said Churchill. “I thought defensively that was one of the better games we played all year long.”The Panthers got 20 points and 10 rebounds from junior Oakley Baker, 19 points and 10 rebounds from senior John Cole.
Others: Chad Agrimson five points, six rebounds, five assists; Luke Overgaard 10 points; Benji Lundberg four points, five assists; Jack Schultz two points; Dempsey Tucker one point; Cole Ignaszewski three points.
Anthony Nelson led the Blossoms with 19 points. Dawson Heuer scored six, Marten Morem four, Mitchell Jones four. The Blossoms’ record fell to 5-10
The Panthers built an early double-digit lead and were never threatened the rest of the way. It was 35-21 at halftime.
The NRHEG junior varsity played equally well, winning 53-34.
NRHEG 68, USC 38
The Panthers trailed early at New Richland Friday, falling behind 5-0 before getting things rolling and holding the Rebels to 28-percent shooting for the game.
“We really set a tone on the defensive end,” said Churchill.
The Panthers took a 10-point lead with five minutes left in the first half and led 32-16 at halftime.
Leaders: Baker 26 points, eight rebounds; Cole nine points, seven rebounds; Agrimson eight points; Overgaard eight points; Lundberg 12 points, five assists; Sam Prigge two points; Nic Shultz three points.
Ryan Kloos scored 19 for the Rebels. Others: Trevor Stencel six, Jordan Kirkeide four, Laddy Benes four.
The loss dropped USC to 8-5.
NRHEG’s junior varsity won 73-53.