Lady Panthers 1-1 in tourney
By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
The NRHEG High School girls' basketball team won one of two games in the Winter Showcase hosted by Maple River, falling 58-43 to Winona Cotter Friday, Dec. 8 and defeating Norwood-Young America 53-41 the next day.
According to Panthers coach Onika Peterson, Winona Cotter's defense and overall physicality proved to be too much to handle.
"Their full-court pressure defense caused us a lot of problems," said Peterson. "It is hard to imitate and pre- pare for their physicality."
The Panthers trailed 41-16 at halftime, but never gave up.
"The girls came out in the second half fighting," said Peterson. "We cut the lead to 12, but never could get over the hump. We need to take better care of the ball and cut down our turnovers."
Individually for NRHEG: Faith Nielsen 16 points, 2 rebound, 1 assist; Quinn VanMaldeghem 10P, 10R, 5 steals, 2A, 1 block; Izley Boerner 6P, 1R; Hallie Schultz 2P, 9R; Camryn VanMaldeghem 5P, 2R, 3S, 2B; Chloe Stork 5R, 2S; Presley Nielsen 3P, 1R, 3S; Kylie Olson 2R, 1S.
The Panthers broke open a close 25-23 game at half- time to win by double-digits over NYA.
"I’m extremely proud of this team," said Coach Peterson. "We took one on the chin the night before to a tough and physical Cotter team."
The Panthers put themselves in a hole, trailing by eight points with three girls on the bench with two fouls apiece in the first half. This time, they were able to over- come it.
"We were able to climb our way out of the hole and keep the lead the whole game," said Peterson. "We have had a couple of younger athletes step up in big roles these last couple of games with Izley Boerner and Kylie Olson."
Individually: F.Nielsen 6P, 6R, 2A, 2S; Q.VanMaldeghem 9P, 9R, 1A; Boerner 5P, 2R, 1S; Clara Buendorf 1R; Schultz 6P, 9R, 5S; Stork 2R; C.VanMaldeghem 10P, 5R, 1A, 4S; P.Nielsen 7P, 2R, 1A; Olson 10P, 8R, 1S.
Peterson said the Panthers have a couple tough games this week, hosting Belle Plaine Tuesday and Randolph Friday.