THANK YOU CARLIE WAGNER FOR STAYING HOME

The defending state champion New RIchland Hartland Ellendale Geneva Panthers had their stiffest test of the season Thursday night and remained unbeaten.  The top ranked Panthers beat second rated Kenyon-Wanamingo 67-60.  Carlie Wagner is a very special athlete.  A joy to watch.  The 5'11 senior can play any position on the floor and after Kenyon-Wanamingo made it a two point 42-40 Panther lead with 7:45 to go following back to back three pointers by Mara Quam and Siri Sviggum, Coach John Schultz called a time out.  NRHEG was having some turnover problems at that juncture and from then on Wagner handled the ball for the most part.  Wagner came into the game averaging 35 points a contest and scored 28.  NRHEG led 29-20 at the half and K-W had to feel very lucky to even be in the game.  In the first half they were 4 of 13 from the free throw line and had 16 turnovers.  The Knights finished the game with 27 turnovers and were 9 of 23 from the free throw line.  K-W was led by Siri Sviggum's 18 points, Audra Clark added 15 and Brittney Flom tallied 14.  Those 27 turnovers were caused for the most part by a physically stronger Panther team.  Coach Schultz told KDHL his ladies are in the weight room in the summer with the football team and continue to lift in season and it shows.  Particularly when battling for loose balls, the stronger player will usually come up with the rock!  NRHEG tallied 18 turnovers themselves, but K-W would often turn it right back over and not capitllize on those miscues.  Points off turnovers were 17 for NRHEG and 11 for K-W.  If they were to meet again it would have to be in the state tournament because K-W got moved to Section one while the Panthers stay in Section two.  Thanks Carlie for choosing to stay in Minnesota where we can all follow your career with delight!