Girls hoops move to 5-2

The North Branch girls basketball team picked up a 54-46 non-conference win over Mahtomedi Dec. 17 to improve its record to 5-2 on the season.
Coming off a Rum River Conference win against Milaca Dec. 13, the Mahtomedi matchup was a big game against a section competitor and team that will most likely be one of the leaders as playoffs come around.
Both teams were fairly evenly matched with North Branch taking the slight edge at 16-15 after one quarter. The team continued to hold steady and improved the lead to 27-24 at halftime.
ìI was pleased with our team effort and intensity,î head coach Dan Schindler said.
The game continued to be close throughout, as scoring was evenly matched at 9 apiece in the third quarter.
The Vikes slowly pulled away for a more comfortable 8-point lead in the fourth quarter and eventually the 54-46 win.
Schindler said the team hit the floor with a new strategy against the Zephyrs. ìWe went to a gimmick defense against Mahtomedi and I was pleased with how the team played it for the first time,î he said.
He gave kudos to senior Christina Sampson and junior Rachel Brown for strong defensive guarding against Mahtomediís top player Lindsey Palmer.
ìOffensively we also had a nice team effort. Christina is now starting to become comfortable in her starting role.î
With the win, the Vikes improve to 5-2 overall, 3-1 in the RRC.
Next up, the team was scheduled to take part in the Simley tournament Dec. 26-28. The regular season schedule will resume with a game on the road against Spring Lake Park Jan. 4, in a 2 p.m. Saturday game.

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