Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
After falling in the first two games of the season the Merrill girls basketball team took an extended break from game action. A loss to Rhinelander on Nov. 21 was the last time the Jays hit the floor for a game, until Tuesday, Dec. 10, as the girls returned to game form with a 59-51 win over Wausau East.
“Big win on the road after a long break between games,” said Merrill head coach Joelene Weix. “The girls were able to work on some things on the offensive and defensive end and it was nice to see them execute some of it against East.”
Both teams fought tooth and nail throughout the contest, however the Jays were able to find ways to outscore the Lumberjacks in both halves of action. In the first half of play Merrill’s Courtney Krueger caught fire early and ended up scoring 23 of the teams 32 first half points. Despite Krueger’s red hot half, the Jays would go into halftime leading by only five points (32-27).
“Courtney Krueger really carried us in the first half scoring 23,” added coach Weix. “She just had everything going for her on the offensive end. In the second half, other girls needed to step up and find their points and they did.”
The second half of action wasn’t so kind to Krueger as she was only able to come away with five points. However, as coach Weix said the other girls had to step up and they did. Ashley Prebeg came away with the majority of her 11 point night in the second half along with Reese Mrachek who scored all eight of her points in the second half.
Leading performers for the Jays include: Courtney Krueger (28 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals), Ashley Prebeg (11 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists), Reese Mrachek (8 points and 4 rebounds) and Claire Drew (6 points, 8 rebounds and 1 assist).
The Lady Jays will look for another conference win on Friday night, as they play host to the Marshfield Tigers with tip off at 7:15 p.m.