By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
On Friday night the Merrill girls basketball team traveled to D.C. Everest looking to grab their second conference win of the season, however would fall in a close game by a final score of 56-51.
The first half of play was controlled by Everest who outscored the Jays 20-25. The lead switched hands a few times throughout the half, however Everest was able to create a little separation as they went on a 7-2 run going into the halftime break.
Merrill came into the second half looking to focus on their defense and did just that, holding the Evergreens to only 17 second half points to the Jays’ 22. The score after two halves was knotted up at 44-44, so the teams would battle for the win in overtime.
In the overtime period Merrill couldn’t keep up with Everest as they outscored the Jays 14-9 to take the five point win.
The Jays were led in scoring by Courtney Krueger who had 15 points to go along with two rebounds and an assist. Rylee Mrachek finished the game with 11 points, four rebounds and one assist. Ashley Prebeg and Dalie Thomas rounded out the Jays’ scoring, each scoring six points.