Panthers nipped by one on home court
By MARK DOMEIER
Contributing Writer
After a weather-filled week, the NRHEG girls' basketball team got back on the court Jan. 31 with a home game against JWP. The Bulldogs fell behind quickly as the Panthers showed little rust in jumping out to a 32-point halftime lead. "The girls looked to run, attacked the basket, and rebounded strong," said coach Onika Peterson. Nothing changed in the second half as the home team cruised to an 80-40 victory, with contributions from many players.
Sidney Schultz was on fire all night and finished with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal. Darian Pearson was a monster in the paint with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and an assist. Alexis Anderson had a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards along with 6 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal. Hannah Budach and Sophie Stork each had 9 points; Budach added a rebound, an assist, and 2 blocks while Stork also had 3 rebounds, an assist, 2 blocks, and 5 steals. Sarah Johns chipped in 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. Erin Jacobson scored her first varsity points by nailing a 3-pointer. Caitlin Goette and Lexie Ignaszewski each added a point; Goette also had 7 boards and 2 assists and Ignaszewski grabbed 3 boards. Kendall Johnson had 2 rebounds and 2 steals while Jayna Finseth snared 2 boards.
The next night, another crazy Gopher Conference game ensued as Blooming Prairie visited New Richland. Just like in their previous meeting this season, the Blossoms worked their way to a first-half lead, scoring often in transition and grabbing offensive rebounds on many trips. However, a 9-point halftime lead was not destined to stay.
The Lady Panthers showed their grit with yet another second-half comeback, their third in a row against conference foes. With about 2 minutes remaining, Johnson swished two free throws to tie the game. After the Blossoms scored on the other end, Stork continued a torrid night by drilling a 3-pointer to give the Panthers their first lead of the night. Julia Worke did the same on the other end before Anderson did it again for the Panthers with another 3. Clinging to a one-point lead, the Panthers again gave up an offensive rebound as Megan Oswald scored the game-winner for the Blossoms, ending a 53-52 loss for the home team.
Stork finished with 26 points, 6 boards, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. Anderson checked all the boxes with 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, a block, and a steal. Pearson had 6 points, 6 rebounds, an assist, and 2 steals. Goette added 4 points, 5 rebounds, and a steal. Johnson and Johns each had 2 points with Johnson adding 2 rebounds and Johns chipping in 2 boards and 2 assists. Schultz had a point, a rebound, 3 assists, and 3 steals, while Budach grabbed 2 boards.
The Panthers stand at 7-13 overall, 4-6 in the Gopher Conference. They played Medford at home this past Monday and were at USC on Tuesday. They will play FBA at home Feb. 8. The game against LCWM that was snowed out will be made up Feb. 14 in New Richland.