For the most part, the nonconference schedule has not been kind to the NRHEG girls’ basketball team.

Within the Gopher Conference? That’s another story.

The Panthers ran their record to 4-0 in conference play last week, defeating Waterville-Elysian-Morristown 54-41 amid a 2-1 week. They’re 6-4 overall.

Hayfield 50, NRHEG 41

Leading 21-15 at halftime, the Panthers’ offense sputtered in the second half and they lost a nonconference game at Hayfield.

“Our offensive became stagnant in the second half,” said coach Onika Peterson. “It was hard for us to get going. Their Streightiff and Rutledge went off in the second half, scoring 23 of their combined 34 points. Hayfield has a good team and we were right there. We just couldn't pull it out in the end.”

Individually for NRHEG: Betsy Schoenrock 16 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocked shots; Maddie Wagner 7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist; Marnie Wagner 6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals; Kaylie Camerer 5 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks; Kelly Harden 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Grace Johns 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist.

NRHEG 54, WEM 41

The Panthers won a key conference clash at Waterville Thursday, Jan. 5. NRHEG led 29-22 at halftime.

“We came out playing a little flatter than what we would have liked,” said Peterson. “We played better in the second half. We need to continue to attack the basket offensively and make smart choices with the basketball. It might not always be the flashy play, but we need to make the easy play. It was a great overall conference win.”

Individually: Schoenrock 14 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks; Maddie 13 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 steals; Marnie 12 points, 89 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals; Johns 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals; Camerer 5 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; Rachel Collins 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists; Harden 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3 steals; Erin VanWilgen 1 steal.

NRHEG 79, Kenyon-Wanamingo 50

In a rematch of the state championship game a few years ago, the Panthers won handily at Kenyon Tuesday, Jan. 3. They led 37-24 at halftime.

Stats: Schoenrock 31 points, 14 rebounds; Maddie 19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals; Marnie 12 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals; Camerer 7 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists; Johns 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Harden 3 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals; Caitlin Goette 2 points, 1 assist; Alexis Anderson 1 rebound, 1 assist; Olivia Christopherson 1 rebound, 1 assist; VanWilgen 1 rebound.

“The goal going in tonight was knowing where Mara Quam was on the floor at all times and try to limit her lay-ups in transition,” said Coach Peterson. “The girls did an awesome job communicating where she was on the floor and making sure we were always getting back on defense. The girls shot the ball well. It was fun to see the girls work as hard as they did and come out on top.”