By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
The New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva girls' basketball team is entering postseason play on a positive note.
The Panthers prevailed 69-62 against a good Maple River squad in the final game of the regular season Friday, Feb. 16 in New Richland.
NRHEG finished 11-5 in the Gopher Conference West while improving their season record to 18-7.
"This was a huge team win for us," said Panthers coach Onika Peterson. "I’m extremely proud of this group. They continue to work and grind every day. We were able
to take advantage of Thomas and McGregor being in foul trouble in the first half.”
And while the Panthers led by 13 at haltfime, 35-22, Peterson warned her players that this isn't a huge margin for a team like Maple River that likes to shoot three-pointers.
"Our defense really stepped up in the second half and met the challenge," said Peterson. "It was a great night."
Camryn VanMaldeghem, a sophomore, continued to put up great numbers, totaling 32 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, five steals and one blocked shots.
Faith Nielsen and Kylie Olson also had a strong night, Neilsen netting 13 points, seven rebounds and a steal, Olson 13 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a block.
Others: Quinn VanMaldeghem 5P, 4R, 3A, 2S; Izley Boerner 2P, 4R, 2A; Hallie Schultz 3P, 6R, 4A, 1S; Addy Stadheim 1P, 1R; Presley Nielsen 4P, 1A, 1S.
Seeds are yet to be set for the Section 2AA tournament, which begins Monday, Feb. 26 at the higher seeded team, continues Feb. 29 and March 4 at Mankato East High School. The section champion and state tournament berth will be decided March 8 at 7:45 p.m. at Minnesota State-Mankato.