Tigers move to 11-3

By Danielle Strenke
The odds were against them. The Rush City girls basketball team lost to Isle in December, just like it had lost to Isle in every game going back four seasons. Yet this has been the season for the squad to surprise everyone ñ including themselves ñ by achieving successes that have been unknown to the program for several years.
Last Tuesday, Isle came to town and the Tigers were ready to avenge that December loss. With 30 seconds left in the game, Rush City battled back from a four-point deficit to take over the lead and come up with the 57-56 win.
Head Coach Stuart Lang said the team has not won against Isle in the four season he has been at the helm ìIt was a big win for the program,î he said.
It was not the first time the team has come up with a big upset against a conference powerhouse. Earlier this month, Rush City defeated Braham for its first victory against the Bombers in six years.
The Tigers held the lead against Isle until the final two minutes when the Huskies chipped away and went up by four. Rush City came back with a three-pointer, and senior Britta Johnson put in a rebound to save the win.
Junior Mindy Scott led the offense with 17 points, including 3 three-pointers. Junior Christine Moore added 13 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Senior Maria Kuhlman had 7 points.
The Tigers went on to down Aitkin in another GRC matchup Jan. 24.
After trailing much of the game, the Tigers were led by Scott who hit two from outside the arc in the last minute to take over the lead.
Kuhlman led the team with her season-high 19 points, and also played strong defense with 6 steals. Scott added 13 points, and sophomore Holly Grimes had a good game in the post, scoring 12 points.
ìA few girls really stepped up tonight, especially in the second half,î Lang said. ìI could see the determination in their eyes, they werenít going to lose.î
The wins bring Rush Cityís record to 11-3 overall, 7-2 in the conference where Rush City sits in a tie with Hinckley-Finlayson for second place behind 9-0 East Central.
This week, the team was scheduled for two home gamesñ Tuesday against Grantsburg and Thursday against Hinckley-Finlayson and then face Maranatha in a sectional matchup Saturday.
Lang said the weekís games are crucial to both the momentum of the team and its standings in the section. Thursdayís game will decide whether Rush City or Hinckley will hold onto sole possession of second place, and the Maranatha contest will also be critical. ìMaranatha is 10-4, weíre at 11-3,î he said.
He said the team has been working hard, both during the season and during the off-season and it is paying off.
Following this weekís games, the Tigers face four straight conference matchups including taking on first-place East Central Feb. 18.

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