Panthers improve to 2-0 in conference, 6-1 overallBy JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
The NRHEG High School girls' basketball team started slowly against Randolph Friday, Dec. 15 in New Richland, playing to a 26-26 halftime tie.
The second half belonged to the Panthers. The night belonged to senior Faith Nielsen.
Nielsen topped the 1,000-point mark for her career as the NRHEG girls cruised to a 69-43 victory.
"We started out a little sluggish in the first half," said NRHEG coach Onika Peterson. "Their post player Coonrod gave us a little bit of trouble inside. We had more of a commanding presence in the second half and were able to go on a run. The highlight of the game tonight was Faith Nielsen getting her 1,000 points. I continue to be impressed with the progress that the girls have made."
The Panthers improved their record to 6-1 overall, 2-0 in the Gopher Conference.
In addition to her 21 points, Neilsen added three rebounds, five assists, four steals and one blocked shot.
Others: Quinn VanMaldeghem 7P, 7R, 5A, 2S; Izley Boerner 3R, 2A; Hallie Schultz 9P, 10R, 3A, 1S; Camryn VanMaldeghem 21P, 11R, 5A, 2S; Chloe Stork 2R; Paige Nielsen 3P, 3R, 2A, 1S; Kylie Olson 8P, 4R.
The Panthers hosted Belle Plaine Tuesday, Dec. 12 and won 80-58.
Scoring: C.VanMaldeghem 21, F.Nielsen 19, Q.VanMaldeghem 16, Olson 7, P.Nielsen 7, Schultz 6, Boerner 4.
The Panthers play Thursday at St. Clair and host USC Friday before traveling to the St. James Holiday Tournament Dec. 27-28.