MINE — The Panthers’ Anna Schlaak grabs a rebound Saturday evening against Hayfield. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The Hayfield Vikings came to New Richland with a good defensive game plan to stop the NRHEG girls’ basketball team.
It worked only so well.
The undefeated Panthers were held to a 22-17 halftime lead and went on to win 50-40 in a nonconference game Saturday night.
“Hayfield really matched up with us nicely on defense,” said NRHEG coach John Schultz. “The biggest difference in the game was the team rebounds where we almost doubled them. We were frustrated with missing so many bunny shots. We were glad to get them, but we just couldn’t connect. I was happy with our man defense we used a lot of the second half. Hayfield is much better than their record indicates, very well coached.”
The Panthers, rated No. 3 in the state in Class AA in the most recent poll, improved their overall record to 11-0. They’re 5-0 and alone atop the Gopher Conference.
Hayfield’s game plan included smothering Carlie Wagner, and the Vikings “held” the sophomore scoring sensation to 23 points. Sophomore Jade Schultz was right behind with 21 points, including three three-pointers. Schultz added eight rebounds. Wagner had three steals.Others: Raelin Schue four points; Anna Schlaak two points, 10 rebounds, four assists; Tori Raimann four rebounds; Hannah Lundberg three steals.
NRHEG shot 15-for-45 on twos and 4-for-11 on threes, Hayfield 11-for-23 and 5-for-15.
The Panthers outrebounded Hayfield 27-15, with nine turnovers to the Vikings’ 12.
NRHEG’s B-squad also remained undefeated, winning 48-29.
The Panthers played Tuesday night at Medford and won 90-22 as Schlaak set the all-time school rebounding record with her 797th rebound. They host Randolph Thursday and Maple River Monday.