NRHEG hands BP its first loss

NRHEG girls basketball secured some much-needed momentum last week by traveling to Blooming Prairie and handing the Awesome Blossoms their first loss in a 61-46 win for the Panthers.

Head coach Onika Peterson’s Panthers have been dealing with injuries and some inexperienced athletes taking on bigger minutes, but the team still prevailed in a big way.

“Tonight was a great team win. Despite injuries and foul trouble, a couple of girls stepped into new roles – some earlier than they ever anticipated – and rose to the challenge. This team's fight, resilience, and commitment to each other continue to show each game,” said Peterson.

NRHEG’s defense was the highlight of the first half and held the potent Awesome Blossoms’ offense to just 19 points.

Blooming Prairie had difficulties keeping up with the Panthers’ aggressive offensive rebounding, leading to an excess of second-chance opportunities that built the team’s lead to 32-19 at halftime.

Blooming Prairie Head Coach John Worke referred to the high-paced Panthers as a “buzz saw” when referencing the team’s playstyle and abilities.

The second half saw NRHEG defend its lead while again outscoring the Awesome Blossoms 29-27.

Panthers’ utility player Quinn VanMaldeghem was all over the court and led the Panthers in combined statistics with a triple-double consisting of 18 points, 12 rebounds, 11 steals and three assists.

Her twin sister, Camryn, was an equal terror for the Awesome Blossoms and recorded 23 points, eight rebounds, six steals, three assists and one block.

The bulk of Blooming Prairie’s points came from Claire Schwarz (17) and Elaine Schwarz (13) in what was a frustrating shooting night for the home team.

Despite the loss, Blooming Prairie still stands tied for first with Hayfield/Schaeffer Academy in the Gopher Conference – East Division with a 1-0 conference record and 3-1 overall record.

The Awesome Blossoms will host Pine Island next on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.

The Panthers enjoyed a win, but still sit second behind JWP in the Gopher Conference – West Division standings as the Bulldogs work on their undefeated 4-0 start to the year.

NRHEG’s next game will come at home against Bethlehem Academy on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7:15 p.m.

Player Stats

NRHEG

                              P    R    A    S

C. VanMaldeghem   23   8    3    6

Q. VanMaldeghem   18   12   3    11

E. Boerner               6    2    3    0

C. Buendorf            6    1    1    1

Stork                      3    3    1    1

Stadheim                3    0    0    1

Farr                        2    4    0    0

Blooming Prairie

                              P

C. Schwarz              17

E. Schwarz              13

Salinas                   6

Nelson                    4

Stoen                     4

Hjelmen                  2