NRHEG Star Eagle

137 Years Serving the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Area
Newspaper of Record for NRHEG School District
Newspaper of Record for Waseca County, MN
PO Box 248 • New Richland, MN 56072

507-463-8112
email: steagle@hickorytech.net
Published every Thursday
Yearly Subscription: Waseca, Steele, and Freeborn counties: $52
Minnesota $57 • Out of state $64

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

The NRHEG Panthers were not ranked among the top 10 Class AA boys’ basketball teams to start the 2014-15 season. Redwood Valley was.

That could change.

The Panthers hosted Redwood Valley in the season opener Saturday and prevailed 87-71 in New Richland. It was tied at 33 at halftime.

“This was an up tempo affair tonight that saw both teams trying to push the tempo,” said Panthers coach Pat Churchill “It also saw each team really challenge each other on the offensive end. The first half saw both teams get in early foul trouble with a couple guys. NRHEG pushed the lead out to six, but Redwood Valley came back and to take a four-point lead before we went into the half tied. The Second half saw NRHEG push the lead to double figures five minutes into the second half and played with the lead the rest of the way.”

For the Panthers: Spencer Tollefson 20 points, 8 rebounds; Trevor Tracy 21 points (five threes), Macoy Schwierjohann 8 points, 6 assists, 14 rebounds; Kevin Kalis 10 points, 8 rebounds; Oakley Baker 21 points; John Cole four points; Chad Agrimson four points.

“Redwood is extremely quick and Sam Pendleton is a tremendous player,” said Churchill. “I thought we did a nice job in the second half making his shots a little tougher and we did a good job on the boards. I was really proud of our team tonight. We had a bunch of guys step up and get the job done. Agrimson came in and guarded Pendleton and did a great job when Macoy and Spencer got in foul trouble. Trevor hit some big 3's but also did a nice job on their best outside shooter. Kevin Klis got in foul trouble early but did a nice job inside. It was a solid first game win over a very good team.”

The Panthers play next Thursday, Dec. 4 at home against Bethlehem Academy.

The NRHEG wrestling team opens its season Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Rochester Mayo Tournament.

The NRHEG girls’ basketball team opens Tuesday, Dec. 2 at home against Waseca.

All the Panther teams will be featured in the Winter Sports Preview set to publish in next week’s Star Eagle.

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