Vikes pick up conference wins over Princeton, Mora

Coming back from a loss against Minneapolis Washburn, the North Branch girls basketball team defeated two Rum River Conference foes to extend its impressive conference win streak.
The Vikes downed Prinecton Dec. 3 and Mora Dec. 5 in two road games, bringing its conference win streak to 32 games, extending over the past three seasons.
In a 63-41 win over the Tigers, the Vikings came out and took a 16-6 lead after the first quarter, and eventually went into halftime with a 34-17 lead.
Using height to its advantage, North Branch was able to get the ball to the inside post well utilizing the talents of sophomore Jenny Anderson and senior Sarah Rauen.
The Vikes added another 18 in the third quarter, while allowing only nine. Princeton went on a short tear in the final quarter, outscoring North Branch 15-11 but unable to close the 22-point gap further.
Head coach Dan Schindler said the team played a good balanced game.
ìWe were one point away from having four players in double figures,î he said.
ìWe did a nice job of moving the ball and played very unselfish basketball. Princeton likes to change defenses each time down the floor and our girls did a nice job reacting to it.î
He said Alison Trampe, Jenny Beader and Katie Hasleiet had solid performances in handling the ball outside and strong outside passing.
Three players hit double figures in the game: seniors Traci Reimann and Rauen, both with 11 points and Anderson with 10. Senior Rauna Dallman picked up 9 points.
The Vikes opened with a 21-12 lead after the first quarter and never looked back as the team took down Mora last Thursday, 67-34.
Schindler was pleased with the support from the entire team, and said the quality of play being turned in by both the starters and the bench is key to the teamís wins to open the season.
ìIf we can continue to get solid play from eight to ten different players, that depth should really help us in close games,î Schindler said.
North Branch extended its lead to 35-19 at halftime, and continued to come on strong in the second half, tallying 18 in the third and 14 in the fourth while holding Mora to single digits.
ìAgain, I was pleased with how we moved the ball and found the open person,î Schindler said. ìWe had 10 people score in the game and got some quality minutes from the people off our bench.î
He cited the outstanding play from the bench of Anderson, junior Rachel Brown and senior Alison Trampe. Junior Vashaity Center, who is new to the district this year, came in and scored 6 quick points in the fourth quarter for the Vikings.
Anderson led the team in scoring with 11, followed by Dallman with 10.
The squad improves to 3-1 overall, 2-0 in the RRC. This week, the Vikes were scheduled to host Chisago Lakes Tuesday, and will host Milaca Friday in two tough conference match-ups. The squad then travels to take on Mahtomedi Tuesday, Dec. 17 to finish its pre-holiday schedule.

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