By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
The NRHEG girls' basketball team got off to a decidedly slow start at Janesville last Tuesday.
The Panthers made sure it didn't happen Thursday.
The locals recovered from a 26-24 halftime deficit to defeat JWP 70-50 and, two nights later at Faribault, they raced to a 45-20 halftime advantage en route to a 79-40 triumph. NRHEG improved to 13-2 overall and 9-0 in the Gopher Conference.
NRHEG coach Onika Peterson credited JWP for the Panthers' early struggles Tuesday.
"JWP had a great first half, where we struggled," said Peterson. "We came out much stronger in the second half. Our defense and rebounding was more consistent. The girls ran the floor better and really pushed the ball up the court, setting the tempo."
Faith Nielsen had the hot hand for the Panthers, totaling 19 points while adding 4 rebounds, 2 steals and a blocked shot. Sidney Schultz garnered 16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks. Her cousin Heather Schultz had 11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks. Also reaching double digits in scoring was Camryn VanMaldeghem with 11 points; she added nine rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block.
Others for NRHEG: Quinn VanMaldeghem 5 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists; Erin Jacobson 6 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals; Addy Stadheim 2 points, 2 rebounds; Chloe Stork 1 rebound.
There was no need to rally at Bethlehem Academy, where the Panthers established the pace early.
"The girls played a phenomenal first half of basketball," said Coach Peterson. "We made the extra pass to find a wide-open shooter."
The Panthers made 11 three-pointers.
"This was possible because we made an extra pass and our feet were set," explained Peterson. "Defensively, we were aggressive on that end of the court as well, which allowed us to take advantage in transition buckets."
Sidney Schultz was the top scorer with 22 points. She had 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Faith Nielson finished with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, Quinn VanMaldeghem 15 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Others: Trinity SmithVulcan 1 rebound; Jacobson 9 points, 4 rebounds; Heather Schultz 5 points, 5 rebounds; Camryn VanMaldeghem 7 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist; Paige Nielsen 3 points, 1 rebound.
The Panthers played Monday at Belle Plaine and hosted Maple River Tuesday. They entertain Hayfield Friday, Feb. 3 and travel to Medford Tuesday, Feb. 7.