Panther Girls Win Subsection Title; State Trip up for Grabs Friday

NRHEG repeated as the south subsection champ in Section 2AA Tuesday, but the real prize awaits Friday in the section final at Minnesota State University-Mankato.

The Panthers jumped out to a big lead early and never trailed while beating Blue Earth Area 58-39 to capture the subsection title. NRHEG led 13-3 and 24-8, forcing the Buccaneers to burn timeouts and try to come up with other ideas to deal with the multiple Panther defenses.

NRHEG was up 26-15 at the half. Blue Earth Area got within 10 a couple of times in the second half when Samantha Barslou started to hit some three-pointers. But the Panthers answered each time, with Rachel Collins hitting a couple of treys. Maddie and Marnie Wagner combined for 27 points and about 15 rebounds.

No. 13AA NRHEG (24-5) faces two-time defending section champ Norwood-Young America (27-1) in the Section 2AA final Friday, March 10, at 7:45PM at the Taylor Center on Kat Kountry 105FM. No. 4AA NYA beat Glencoe-Silver Lake on Tuesday 62-53. Friday's winner advances to the state tournament.

The Panther boys resume subsection play with a semifinal game Thursday at 7:45PM at Mankato East High School against Maple River on Kat Kountry 105. The Panthers have defeated the Eagles three times already this season.