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Girls hoops: Comets start strong
Published 12:15am Friday, December 4, 2009Rhonda Christenson poured in a career high in points, leading the Hillcrest girls basketball team to a season-opening 53-48 nonconference victory over Henning Thursday night.
Christenson — a junior forward — scored 23 points and added a team-high eight rebounds.
“We knew she could play at this level,” Hillcrest coach Charlie Brue said. “We really like how athletic she is. This was a great way to start the season.”
The Comets — who have not opened the season with a victory since 2005 — led 28-20 at the break before letting the Hornets back in the game midway through the second half.
“It wasn’t the prettiest game,” Brue said. “I think we were battling some rust. We let them back in it a little but were able to hit some shots late to put it away.”
Ahna Lacey tallied 11 points for Hillcrest (1-0) while teammate Taylor Brue added seven points.
Brandon-Evansville 47, Hancock 45 (OT)
EVANSVILLE — The Chargers scored only one basket in the overtime session.
That’s all they needed.
After playing to a 45-45 tie through more than 40 minutes counting overtime, Heather Strese converted a layup with exactly five seconds on the clock, putting the Chargers on top.
Hancock’s last second heave from halfcourt drifted well short of the basket and Brandon-Evansville escaped with a well-fought victory.
Heather Strese led all scorers with 23 points and six rebounds while Megan Boesl added 10 points.
The Chargers shot 44 percent from the field and forced 21 turnovers.
NY Mills 68, Battle Lake 48
NEW YORK MILLS — The Eagles raced out to a 20-point halftime lead and breezed past the Battlers.
“Their aggressive defense gave us a lot of trouble,” Battle Lake coach David Marso said. “They took advantage of our inexperience tonight.”
Battle Lake’s Heather Olson shot 7-for-12 from the field, including 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, and registered a team-high 18 points, 14 of which came after the break.
Brittany Bleichner and Nicole Rilla snatched six rebounds apiece.
New York Mills shots 52 percent from the field.
