By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
NRHEG girls' basketball coach Onika Peterson's favorite part of the season is here.
"You have to love playoff time," said Peterson. "Survive and advance."
That's what Peterson's Panthers did Monday night.
NRHEG, seeded second in the south sub-section of Section 2AA, pulled away in the second half and defeated seventh-seeded Waseca 55-39.
The Panthers improved to 19-7 and advanced to face sixth-seeded St. Clair Thursday, Feb. 29 at 7:45 p.m. at Mankato East High School. Waseca finished 7-20 under first-year head coach Anthony Jackson.
"It is nice to get the first win in the playoffs under our belt," said Peterson. "Waseca is a tough defensive team and they caused us some issues throughout the night. We are excited to get back to Mankato East on Thursday for the second round against St. Clair. It should hopefully be a fun and competitive game."
Monday's game was competitive. The Panthers threatened to pull away more than once in the first half, but the Bluejays wouldn't let it happen. NRHEG led 24-20 at halftime.
"New Richland played a nice game," said Jackson. "The three-point shooting of New Richland in the second half allowed them to pull away. The girls fought hard and put some game pressure on New Richland."
Camryn VanMaldeghem topped the scoring charts for NRHEG with 13 points to go along with eight rebounds, two assists and a steal. Presley Nielsen reached double digts with 10 points, adding three rebounds and three steals while taking a charge.
Others: Faith Nielsen 7P, 4R, 2A, 2S; Quinn VanMaldeghem 8P, 10R, 2A, 2S; Izley Boerner 4P, 3R, 1A; Clara Buendorf 1R: Hallie Schultz 8P, 5R, 4A, 1 blocked shot; Kyrie OLSON 5P, 2R.
Addie Wieseler led Waseca with 11 points. Grace Guritz scored nine, Mia Kanewischer seven.
The winner of Thursday's game with St. Clair plays Monday, March 4 against No. 1 seed Maple River or No. 4 WEM at 7:45 p.m. at Mankato East. The winner of that game plays for the section championship and state tournament berth Friday, March 8 at 7:45 p.m. at Minnesota State-Mankato.