The NRHEG boy’s basketball team saw its record fall to 3-19, (1-10 in the conference), with a pair of recent losses, 79-74 to USC Feb. 7 and 78-51 to Fairmont Feb. 3.
“Early in the game we went back and forth until USC got hot from 3 point range,” said NRHEG coach Isaiah Lundberg. “USC made seven 3-pointers in the 1st half compared to our two.”
The Panthers fell behind the Rebels 40-28.
“In the second half we looked like a totally different offensive team,” remarked Lundberg. “We got the ball up the floor quicker and got some layups and hit 6 3-pointers, which is big for us and hasn’t been there this year. We did a good job in the half court moving the ball and attacking their zones. We got it to three, 77-74 with a chance and missed a shot and had to foul them and they made free throws to seal it. It was the best effort we have played with all year.”
The leading scorer for NRHEG was Porter Peterson with 18. Lonnie Wilson scored 16, Kordell Schlaak 14, Ashton Johnson 12, and Tyrone Wilson eight. Jack Olson, Daxter Lee and Blake Ihrke all scored two points each.
AJ Kloos led the Rebels with 36 points. Ethan Dallman scored 18.
The Panthers fell behind Fairmont 36-21 at halftime.
“We played a good first half,” said Lundberg. “We were close most of the half and went back and forth with Fairmont and had the lead at times. Towards the end of the first half they hit some shots, specifically 3's that built up the lead for them going into the half.”
The second half started slow for the Panthers, falling behind quickly, 49-29.
“I thought we continued to compete and play hard, which is what I wanted from the guys,” remarked Lundberg. “I like our effort and energy that we came out with. We did get it to 14 at one time, but then we went basket for basket for a stretch and really couldn't get it any closer.”
Kordell Schlaak led the Panthers in scoring with 10 points. Tory Christenson scored eight points, Lonnie Wilson seven, Ihrke six, Johnson five, Peterson five, Tyrone Wilson four and Jack Olson two.
Wyatt Frank led Fairmont with 20 points. Carter Bell scored 13.
The Panthers next action will be Friday, Feb. 14 at Maple River.