By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
It was not the prettiest game. But it was a win, and that's the most important thing at this point for the NRHEG girls' basketball team.
The Panthers stayed undefeated in the Gopher Conference with a 48-44 victory at Tri-City United Monday, Jan. 23. It was 22-22 at halftime.
"We were sluggish to start the game tonight," said NRHEG coach Onika Peterson. "It looked like a typical Monday night game in January. It wasn’t a pretty win, but it was a win! I am proud of the girls' effort and grit in the second half."
Individually: Faith Nielsen 3 points, 2 rebounds; Quinn VanMaldeghem 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals; Erin Jacobson 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal; Hallie Schultz 7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals; Sidney Schultz 22 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 assists; Addie Stadheim 1 rebound; Camryn VanMaldeghem 1 point, 3 rebounds, 7 steals.
The Panthers got past Randolph 52-48 at New Richland Friday, Jan. 20. NRHEG led 31-17 at halftime. "What a rollercoaster of a game," said coach Peterson. "We got up big in the first half and Randolph came back swinging in the second. What a fun Gopher Conference matchup!"
For the Panthers: F. Nielsen 2 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals, 1 assist; Q. VanMaldeghem 5 points, 3 rebounds; Jacobson 4 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal; H. Schultz 3 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist; S.Schultz 29 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals; Stadheim 1 rebound; C. VanMaldeghem 3 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal; Presley Neilsen 6 points, 2 rebounds.
The Panthers improved their overall record to 11-2.
After traveling to JWP Tuesday, the Panthers are at Bethlehem Academy Friday, Jan. 27, at Belle Plaine Monday, Jan. 30 and at home against Maple River Jan. 31.