GAME OF KEEPAWAY — The Panthers’ Sophie Stork, left, drives to the basket while being defended by Medford’s Emma Kniefel Tuesday, Feb. 26 in Medford. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By MARK DOMEIER
Contributing Writer
The NRHEG Lady Panther basketball team was one and done in the playoffs this year, losing to the number one seed Medford Tigers on the road Feb. 26. Medford dominated from the start, racing to a 21-3 lead before the visitors knew what hit them. Medford's defense kept the Panthers discombobulated all night long.
NRHEG made a run partway through the first half when Hannah Budach ignited the offense with four 3-pointers, but the Medford lead was 43-27 at the break. The Tigers continued their great defense and cleaned the boards all night, out-rebounding the Panthers by a large margin. The Panthers made another run in the second half, cutting the lead to 10 in part because of two and-ones by Alexis Anderson, but crisp passing on offense helped Medford continue their undefeated season with a 78-58 final.
Budach and Anderson each had 12 points on the night; Budach added 3 rebounds, an assist, and a steal while Anderson had 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Sidney Schultz added 8 points, dished out 11 assists, and had a rebound and a steal with 2 blocks. Kendall Johnson contributed 7 points, a rebound, and an assist. Caitlin Goette, Sophie Stork, and Darian Pearson each had 4 points on the night. Goette grabbed 3 rebounds, Stork had 4 rebounds, an assist, and 2 steals, and Pearson snared a board. Lexie Ignaszewski had 3 points and a rebound while Sarah Johns had 3 points and a block. Jayna Finseth finished things off with a point, a rebound, and an assist.
After the game, coach Onika Peterson commented, "Hard to believe the season is already over. Thank you to the girls for everything." NRHEG finished the season 9-18 overall. Medford moved on to play St. Peter in the second round of the playoffs.