By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
After the previous week, NRHEG boys' basketball coach Dan Schmidt figured was only one way to go for his squad as Kenyon-Wanamingo came to town Friday, Jan. 5.
While it wasn't a win, it was definite progress as the Panthers kept it close while dropping a 54-47 decision.
"With nowhere to go but up after last week, I feel like we took a step in the right direction," said Schmidt.
In a rematch from early December, Kenyon-Wanamingo jumped out early and led most of the way.
"We have to find a way to get some more consistent scoring out of some of the guys, but I definitely saw some things that give us hope going forward," said Schmidt. "We just have to put it all together."
Leading the Panthers in scoring was Daxter Lee with 25 points; he added five rebounds. Jackson Chrz contributed 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists, including a fast-break slam dunk late in the first half. Sam Olson, Greyson Schaefer, and Jared Lee each had three points, and Levin Kitzer added two.
Leading all scorers was Colton Steberg with 26 for Kenyon-Wanamingo.
The Panthers, 2-8 overall and 0-1 in the Gopher Conference, play Friday, Jan. 12 at Hayfield, Monday at Tri-City United and Tuesday at JWP.