By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
With two key rivalry games, NRHEG girls' basketball coach Onika Peterson is looking forward to a fun week for the Panthers.
So far this season, every week has been fun.
The Panthers improved their season record to 11-1 Friday, Jan. 5 with a 70-47 victory at Kenyon-Wanamingo. NRHEG led 30-22 at halftime.
According to Peterson, the Panthers prevailed despite not playing their best basketball.
"It wasn’t our prettiest game of the year, but I was proud of the girls' grit and effort in the second half," said Peterson. "They cleaned up some of the turnovers from the first half and seemed to be more locked in."
The Panthers were led in scoring by Camryn VanMaldeghem with 21 points. She also added five assists, three rebounds, two blocked shots and a steal.
Two other NRHEG scorers reached double digits. Presley Nielsen had 13 points, 5 rebounds, a block and a steal, Kylie Olson 12 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block.
Others: Faith Nielsen 2P, 4R, 2A; Quinn VanMaldeghem 7P, 11R, 3A, 3S; Izley Boerner 2P, 1R, 3A, 1S; Hallie Schultz 7P, 7R, 4A; Addy Stadheim 4P, 6R, 1S; Ezra Boerner 2P, 1A.
Coach Peterson was particulary pleased with the Panthers' performance on the boards.
"We continue to consistently rebound well, which allows us great second and third-chance shot opportunities," she said. "It's always interesting coming back from the holiday break and readjusting to school and everything that comes with it. We have a couple rivalry games this week with conference foes WEM on Tuesday and home against Hayfield on Thursday. It should be a fun week."
The Panthers, 4-0 in Gopher Conference play, host JWP Tuesday, Jan. 16 and travel to Blooming Prairie Jan. 19.