Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
The Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln girls basketball team may be one of the bottom feeders in the WVC thus far this season (1-4), but one may never have guessed Friday night when the Raiders came knocking at the MHS Field House.
In fact, the Bluejay ladies found themselves with their hands full early as the Raiders jumped out to a 19-16 first-half lead. The second half would prove a bit more favorable as Merrill rebounded to take a 32-28 lead and slip by the Raiders with a 48-47 final.
“We kinda’ had that feeling going into this one, they were going to be a very tough team,” commented head coach Ross Reincke.
“They have played a few teams in some very tight games lately, so their record definitely didn’t reflect the type of team they are. They ran a 3-2 zone which we thought would be an advantage for us, but we ended up shooting the worst percentage we have all season. It was just one of those nights where we shot well and came back down the stretch. Kennedy Soderberg made the winning shot with four seconds left in the game. It was a great, hard earned win for us.”
WRAP: 19 28-47
MRRL: 16 32-48
Statistics: Lindsey Casper (11p, 4r, 4st); Anna Finnell (11p, 5r, 4a); Maddix Bonnell (10p, 6r, 3a, 3st); Chelsey LaMonica (6p).
Taming the kitties
Last Tuesday, the Jays hit the road southbound for Stevens Point and wasted no time in going after the Panthers, mounting a commanding 30-11 lead at the half. Point would make a spirited comeback run in the second half with 32 points, but the Bluejay ladies would have the final say with a convincing 68-43 win.
“We had a great team effort overall,” Reincke added.
“We shot the ball very well as a team and Maddix Bonnell had a great offensive night. Maddix carried us in points and had a very solid 2nd half. Emily Page had a big night as well, holding SPASH standout Maggie Negaard to just two points in the first half. I was very pleased overall.”
MERRL: 30 38-68
SPASH: 11 32- 43
Statistics: Bonnell (24p, 7r, 7a, 4 st); Lindsey Casper (10p, 3r, 3a); Anna Finnell (6p, 8r, 3a).