TOUGH PLAY — NRHEG's Sam Lundberg (32), Spencer Hanna (15) and Nic Mangskau (10) scramble for a loose ball against Bethlehem Academy at New Richland last Tuesday. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG boys’ basketball team experienced both ends of the spectrum last week.
Unfortunately, neither was a victory.
The Panthers kept it close throughout against Bethlehem Academy on Tuesday, falling 51-46 at New Richland. Three nights later they were blown out by United South Central 75-37 at Wells.
Tuesday was a familiar story of late for the Panthers, according to coach Pat Churchill.
“We play well, but fall on the short end of the stick,” he said. “BA made the plays down the stretch and made their free throws to win the game. It is very frustrating for our kids. We know we are playing better basketball but we aren't seeing the results in the wins and losses.”
It was the sixth straight loss for the Panthers, who have fell by 10, six, five and one point during the skid. They fell to 3-8 in the Gopher Conference and 5-14 overall.Bethlehem Academy, which improved to 12-4, had a 17-10 first-half advantage, but NRHEG went on a 9-2 run to tie it up before the Cardinals made the last bucket of the half to go up 21-19. The second half was back and forth early before NRHEG took a 39-34 lead.
The Panthers had two possessions with the five-point lead and did not capitalize. BA rallied and took a 43-41 lead. NRHEG had the ball and a time out to talk, but could not get the ball in the bucket. The Cardinals iced it at the free-throw line.
NRHEG scoring: Matt Carlson 15, Lucas Meyer 11, Tyler Sorenson 10, Sam Lundberg five, Spencer Hanna three, Nic Mangskau two.
The NRHEG B-squad lost 32-22.
Friday at Wells was not familiar for the Panthers. It was a nightmare.
“It was a tough night all around for us,” said Churchill. “USC dominated the game from start to finish and it was never really in doubt.”
NRHEG's post players all got in foul trouble and USC dominated inside.
“They got all the offensive rebounds and put backs,” said Churchill. “They outmanned us all night. They are a real physical team and they just got after us tonight and we didn't respond very well.
Panther scoring: Sorenson nine, Lundberg eight, Mangskau seven, Tollefson five, Carlson three, Hanna three, Meyer two.
Kyle Bauman led USC with 16. The Rebels improved to 13-4 overall.
NRHEG’s B-squad defeated USC 48-45.
The Panthers play Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Blooming Prairie. They host JWP Feb. 2 and travel to WEM Feb. 9.