3-Point Buzzer-Beater Sets Tone in Tigers Win

Medford senior Catrina Herr stomped her foot in celebration, in addition to a fist pump, after banking in a three-pointer at the first-half buzzer of the Tigers 47-40 win at Bethlehem Academy Friday night. The shot gave Medford a 23-18 lead at the break, their biggest of the game at that point. It completed a spectacular half for Herr with 14 points that included four three-pointers.

Medford coach Mark Kubat said, "It was great to see her, especially bank that three in right at the buzzer. Having the where-with-all to know how much time was on the clock...We had a great line...Called nothing but glass. That was awfully fun."

Herr's initial entry into the game came when starter Bella Steffen broke the elastic on her face mask and had to leave the game. Herr ended the night with 16 points. Steffen found back up protection and scored nine. Clara Kniefel scored ten points, all in the second half, and hauled in numerous rebounds. Kubat said, "She had a ton of rebounds and going up hard with the ball...She did a real nice job of getting to the basket."

BA scored the first five points of the game at Van Orsow Auditorium and led 14-10 when Medford went on an 8-2 run to go ahead 18-16 and led 23-18 at the half after the buzzer beater.

The Tigers led 26-20 when the Cardinals scored seven straight for a 27-26 lead. The Tigers were up 34-32 when BA hit a three for a 35-34 lead. Medford went on a 10-0 dash for a 44-35 lead with a few minutes to go. (Final: Medford 47, Faribault BA 40)

Kubat said a key to the win was sophomore Andrea Bock on Trump. "I thought Bock did a great job on Trump...to me she is the heart and soul...She had five points. She had 18 the other night. She should be in double figures every game. To hold her to five is just an awesome thing."

"Our seniors, (Jenna) Berg and (Brooke) Purrier, and Bella Steffen, and Lily Roehrick did a real nice job of stepping up and doing the things they need to do to help us be successful and communicating to the younger kids what we need to do."

Mercedes Huerta scored 14 for the Cardinals. Malia Hunt added 12 points. Lindsay Hanson had a double-digit rebounding night for Bethlehem Academy.

Medford faces a tough upcoming week with Waseca Tuesday and Blooming Prairie Friday, "We had a tough one this week with Waterville and BA...We just have to go out and be brave and play hard."

Bethlehem Academy hosts St. Clair Tuesday, February 2 with coverage on Power 96 radio.