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Vikings girls stay in tie for first place in RRCThe North Branch girl's basketball team won three more games last week to improve its season record to 19-3. The wins came against Milaca, Minneapolis Southwest and Pine City. North Branch 52, Milaca 36 With a 27-22 at halftime, the squad picked up its intensity in the third quarter, racking up 18 points while allowing only 5 to the Wolves to secure the win. North Branch added 7 in the final quarter to Milacaís 9. Senior Traci Reimann led the team with 19 points while senior Christina Sampson added 10. Sophomore Jenny Anderson also had a nice game, adding 8 points. Senior Sarah Rauen controlled the boards and led the team with 8 rebounds. North Branch 51, Mpls. 40 ìThis was a good test for us because they play an aggressive defense and really deny the passing lanes,î Head Coach Dan Schindler said. The Vikes trailed 10-5 after the first quarter, missing some easy shots. The squad continued its struggles from the field in the second quarter, but were able to capitalize on free throw opportunities and take a 21-18 halftime lead. Both teams played fairly even in the third, but North Branch extended its lead to 31-25 going into the final quarter. Schindler said the game was won in the fourth quarter at the free throw line. ìWe always pride ourselves at winning the free throw line stat for the game,î he said. The squad was 21 of 29, while Minneapolis was only 2 of 4. Reimann led the squad again with 20 points and Sampson added 13. Reimann also had 12 rebounds. ìThis was a good game for us to help prepare for the tournament and last two weeks of the season,î Schindler said. North Branch 60, Pine City 29 The Vikes continued an offensive onslaught by outscoring the Dragons 22-3 in the second for a comfortable 40-16 lead at the half. Pine Cityís defense played tough throughout the second half, forcing North Branch to take more outside shots. ìOur kids did a nice job. Alison Trampe and Katie Hasleiet both had their best offensive games of the season and hit some big outside shots for us. They both are good shooters and it was nice to see them knock in the open shots,î Schindler said. Trampe collected 10 points while Hasleiet had 7. Reimann led again with 15 points and 8 rebounds. The Vikingsí record improved to 19-3 with the wins, but the squad continues to share first place in the RRC with Chisago Lakes, also picking up wins last week. Both teams have 12-1 conference marks. This week the Vikings host Cambridge on Tuesday and travel to Foley on Thursday for another key Rum River game. ©ECM Post Review |