NRHEG Girls Rally for Victory at State Basketball Tournament

The NRHEG girls basketball rallied late against Esko for a 52-47 win in the consolation semifinals of the Class AA tournament Thursday at Concordia University of St. Paul.

The Panthers trailed 44-38 with just a few minutes remaining, but rallied for the win and will play Rochester Lourdes in the consolation final at 2PM Friday at Concordia on Kat Kountry 105FM. NRHEG (26-6) outscored the Eskomos 14-3 over the final stretch. The Panthers hit their free throws and forced several steals during the final minutes.

Maddie Wagner went 4-for-4 at the charity stripe late and ended with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists, according to the Minnesota State High School League score sheet. Marnie Wanger led the Panthers with 15 points, six rebounds and four steals. Betsy Schoenrock scored 12 points to go with eight rebounds and five blocked shots. She was 4-for-5 at the free throw line.

The game featured 11 lead changes. Esko built their lead to six on a couple of occasions with three second-half three-pointers from Selena Shady. Post player Bridget Yellin scored 13 points, five above her average, but was in four trouble and missed key time late in the game.

Rochester Lourdes (22-10) beat Minnehaha Academy 82-68 in the other consolation semifinal. The Eagles lost to Watertown-Mayer in Wednesday's quarterfinals.