Faith Nielsen goes hard to hoop during a thrilling eight point win against Maple River.                                                                               Star Eagle photos by Chris Schlaak

By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor

The NRHEG girls basketball  team remained undefeated within the Gopher Conference after winning both their home games last week, defeating Tri City United 62-37 and Maple River 59-51. 

On Monday January 3, the Panthers hosted TCU in their first action since the holiday break. 

The game remained close in the first half, with the Panthers leading 29-20 at the break.

In the second half Panther fans saw what they’ve become accustomed to this season, as the girls ran away with it. 

“It was a nice team win coming off of the holiday break,” NRHEG head coach Onika Peterson said. “We have had a couple of injuries and illnesses that changed our lineup. The other girls have really stepped up and contributed, which is great to see.”

Erin Jacobson led the Panthers and notched a double-double with 20 points, and 10 rebounds. Also recording a double-double was Sarah George with 10 points, and 10 rebounds.

Also scoring for the Panthers were: Sidney Schultz 10; Sophie Stork 8; Preslie Nielsen 8; Madison Murray 4; Hallie Schultz 2; Andrea Briggs 2; Trinity Smith Vulcan 2. 

NRHEG 59, Maple River 51

On Friday, January 7, the Panthers defeated Maple River at home to remain undefeated in the conference at 5-0 and improve to 10-2 overall. 

In one of the closer games of the ‘21-’22 season, Friday’s game was about ‘runs’ with the Panthers getting up by 10 early in the first half. But Maple River answered, cutting the score to 24-23 at the half. 

At one point in the second half, Maple River led by as much as six points.“We were able to make a couple key shots to catch back up,” coach Peterson said. “Tonight it ended in our favor. It should make for a fun rematch in a couple weeks.”

Jacobson again led the Panthers in scoring with 16 points and nine rebounds. 

Stork registered a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. 

Also scoring for the Panthers were: Sidney Schultz 13; Faith Nielsen 7; George 6; Hallie Schultz 2; Preslie Nielsen 1; Briggs 1. 

The Panthers traveled to play Medford Tuesday night before traveling to Waterville on Friday, January 14. Over the weekend the girls play in Kasson.