Panthers claim section title, take 30-0 record to state tournament

WE’RE GOING TO STATE! — Coaches John Schultz, left, Grant Berg, the Panthers and their fans exalt as the clock winds down in the Section 2AA championship at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter last Friday. (Star Eagle photos by Chris Schlaak)

WHEELING AND DEALING — Jade Schultz passes off to Anna Schlaak during the first half of the Section 2AA championship game last Friday.

DRIVING — Carlie Wagner drives to the basket during the Section 2AA championship game at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter last Friday.

POINTS IN THE PAINT — Katie Cole (14) scores a basket during the second half of the Section 2AA championship game last Friday.

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

State tournament.

Almost every high school athlete dreams about it. Few get there.

The 2011-12 NRHEG girls’ basketball team is among the few.

The Panthers reached their season-long and, for some, almost lifetime-long goal by defeating St. Peter 59-54 for the Section 2AA championship in front of a standing-room-only crowd at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter last Friday.

It kept the Panthers undefeated at 30-0 and put them in the state tournament against defending state champion Braham (29-1) Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Target Center in Minneapolis.

NRHEG coach John Schultz said getting to state, “means everything” for the Panthers.

“It’s a rare, rare thing,” said Schultz. “Everything’s got to play out just right.”

“I’m so proud of our team,” said sophomore Carlie Wagner, who became No. 1 on NRHEG’s all-time scoring list (boys or girls) on Friday. “It was a crazy experience. Everyone’s so excited to go play.”

The Panthers definitely played their game in the first half against St. Peter, taking a quick lead on a Jade Schultz three-pointer — a lead they would never relinquish despite a sluggish second half.

After another Schultz three put the Panthers up 13-4 with 14:00 left it first half, Wagner scored 12 of the Panthers’ next 16 points as they stretched it to 31-10, forcing a Saints time out. It didn’t help. The Panthers led 38-23 at halftime.

After Schlaak hit the first basket of the second half, the Panthers’ scoring troubles became progressively worse, and they had some close calls by the officials go the other way. The Panthers were up 41-32 at the midway point, but the Saints climbed within five with four minutes remaining. It was 54-51 with 1:45 on the clock. Wagner followed with a jumper, and she and Schultz drilled free throws down the stretch to ice it.

The Panthers and their fans celebrated the moment with cheers, hugs and tears.

“I think it shows how hard we’ve worked, the blood, sweat and tears we’ve put into it,” said Wagner. “It shows how hard we’ve worked. It’s cool to know we’ve gone 30-0.”

Wagner finished with 25 points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals. Katie Cole scored 12 points while Anna Schlaak had 10 points, five rebounds and three steals. Schultz totaled nine points and five rebounds. Hannah Lundberg had four rebounds.

The Panthers outrebounded the Saints 29-27 and had 12 turnovers to St. Peter’s 15.

“We came out ready to play and on fire,” said Coach Schultz. “The girls came through as they have all year.”

Schultz said he and the Panthers are appreciative of the fans who turned out in droves.

“I tell you what, I couldn’t be more proud of our crowd,” he said. “Our kids feed off that. It means a lot to them.”

It’s the second trip to state in school history for the Panthers, who finished fourth in 2004 under Mindy Sparby, who coached the team from 2000-2010. Schultz, the head coach from 1992-2000, took over for Sparby before last season.

At state, the Panthers face a Braham team that, according to Schultz, is almost a mirror image of themselves.

“They’re just like us,” he said. “Their tallest kid is 5-10, they play a lot of guards and like to run.”

Braham defeated Esko in double-overtime for the Section 7AA title.

If the Panthers beat Braham, they’ll face Sauk Centre or Worthington at 6 p.m. Friday at Target Center. The championship game is Saturday at 2 p.m. at Target Center. The third-place game is Saturday at noon at Concordia College.

For the Panthers, Schultz said this is a time to compete hard but also savor the memories.

“We have 12 kids on our team,” he said. “Just about every one of them has played AAU ball. They’ve put in a lot of time and money to prepare. It’s nice to see them cash in.”