NRHEG girls complete 3-0 week with win over Goodhue

CRUNCH TIME — NRHEG’s Carlie Wagner (3) tries to get a handle on the ball between a pair of USC defenders during the Panthers’ 89-57 victory at New Richland Thursday, Jan. 26. It was part of a 3-0 week that included an overtime win over BA and a victory over a 17-2 Goodhue team. At back left is the Panthers’ Raelin Schue. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

It was billed as a clash of the titans.

The NRHEG girls’ basketball team turned it into a mismatch.

The Panthers, rated No. 2 in the state in Class AA, took a big early lead and cruised to a 77-68 victory over a 17-2 Goodhue team Saturday night at Carleton College in Northfield. It completed a 3-0 week for NRHEG, which improved to 20-0 overall and 11-0 in the Gopher Conference. The Panthers are the last remaining undefeated team in Class AA.

“I was very proud of our efforts tonight,” said coach John Schultz. “Goodhue (ranked No. 2 in Class A) had just beat Kenyon-Wanamingo by 30 and also beat previously undefeated Pine Island last week. We knew they were a quality team coming in. We rose to the occasion.”

The Panthers took a 12-2 lead to start the game, led by 18 at half and increased it to 27 midway through the second half. They were up by 23 with four minutes left when Schultz cleared the bench.

Sophomore Carlie Wagner broke her own single-game school scoring record by one, pouring in 39 points while adding six assists. Others: Jade Schultz 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists; Anna Schlaak eight points, 14 rebounds, six assists, four steals; Katie Cole eight points; Hannah Lundberg five points; Tori Raimann four points; Raelin Schue two points.

“We won the battle of the boards and played good defense most of the way,” said Coach Schultz. “They could not stop our fast break. We got a lot of layups. Our girls did a nice job looking for the outlet to Carlie. Anna dominated inside.”

Two nights earlier the Panthers topped a solid USC team 89-57 at New Richland. The Panthers led 40-17 at halftime.

“I was impressed with our hustle on defense, especially on the boards outrebounding them 56-25,” said Coach Schultz. “That coupled with only nine turnovers made us go. Our pressure defense worked for the most part and kept them from a methodical offense, which they are very good at. We controlled the pace of the game. We had a lot of kids play well for us and they all got to contribute a lot tonight.”

Individually: Carlie Wagner 32 points; Schlaak 16 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, four steals; Jade Schultz 13 points, eight rebounds, three steals; Raimann seven points; Abby Crabtree six points; Marnie Wagner five points; Maddie Wagner five points; Lundberg three points; Cole two points, six rebounds.

NRHEG’s B-squad won 44-29.

The Panthers had their closest game of the season Tuesday at Bethlehem Academy, where they won 76-69 in overtime.

“What a great game to watch,” said Coach Schultz. “It was like two heavyweight boxers going at it. Raelin Schue and Maddie Wagner really sparked us off the bench. We struggled on defense. It was tough to defend them. They are really well coached and hit a number of threes on us. Our girls took it upon themselves in overtime to gut it out. What a great test. I don't know too many teams that could have beat BA tonight. They are tough! We won it on three-point shooting and rebounds.”

Individually: Carlie Wagner 27 points, five rebounds, seven assists; Jade Schultz 24 points, 11 rebounds; Schue eight points; Maddie Wagner six points, Raimann five points, five rebounds, three steals; Schlaak four points, 16 rebounds, four steals; Cole two points.

The NRHEG B-squad won 48-35.

The Panthers host Blooming Prairie Tuesday. They play at JWP Friday and host WEM Feb. 10.