SCOOP SHOT — The Panthers’ Kelly Harden drives for a left-handed layup during NRHEG's home game against Medford Tuesday, Dec. 12. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
Many questions surrounded the NRHEG girls’ basketball team for the 2017-18 season.
Many of them have been answered.
The Panthers, looking to replace four starters from last year’s state tournament team, notched a pair of wins last week, 67-57 over Medford and 74-64 over Kenyon-Wanamingo, improving their record to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the Gopher Conference.
NRHEG 67 Medford 57
After a slow start, the Panthers bested the Tigers in a conference game in New Richland Tuesday, Dec. 12.
“The girls chipped away at Medford's lead and we were able to go in the half up by two,” said NRHEG coach Onika Peterson. “In the second half we took care of the ball a little bit better and rebounded stronger.”
Betsy Schoenrock had a big night with 27 points, 14 rebounds, 2 steals and an assist. Others: Kelly Harden 2 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 4 steals; Olivia Christopherson 8 points, 2 rebounds; Lexie Ignaszewski 2 rebounds, 1 assist; Hannah Budach 10 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, Sophie Stork 12 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal; Erin VanWilgen 6 points, 1 rebound; Jayna Finseth 2 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists; Gabby Muri 2 rebounds; Alexis Anderson 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals.
“It was great to get the win, but we need to continue to work on making smarter choices with the ball, lower our turnovers, and rebound more,” said Coach Peterson.
NRHEG 74 Kenyon Wanamingo 64
In a rematch of the state championship game from 2014, the Panthers prevailed on their home court Thursday, Dec. 14. They led 38-25 at halftime.
Schoenrock totaled 29 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots. Also: Caitlin Goette 3 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals; Harden 12 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals; Christopherson 13 points, 1 rebound, 3 steals; Budach 2 steals; Stork 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal; VanWilgen 2 rebounds; Anderson 6 points, 4 rebound; Muri 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal.
“We had a pretty good first half handling their press, but struggled more in the second half,” said Peterson. “We didn't handle the ball pressure well and ended up having a ton of turnovers. The girls were able to keep the lead and their composure down the stretch.”