The North Branch Vikings girls basketball fell short in their attempt to stay in first place in the Rum River Conference, falling 51-38 to St. Michael-Albertville (STMA) on Jan. 7 at home.

The Knights jumped out to a 16-9 lead at the end of the first quarter, but strong outside defense in the second quarter allowed the Vikings to close to within one point at 22-23 at halftime.

But North Branch lost its scoring punch in the second half and STMA pulled away for the win.
Thus far this season the Vikings have yet to find a consistent scoring threat. They were able to get off as many shots as STMA, but did not convert as many.

ìWe have people that can score, we just have to get more consistent the second half of the season,î said Coach Dan Schindler.

Freshman Kristen Robatcek, the leading scorer on the junior varsity team, saw her first action in a varsity uniform against STMA. Schindler hopes she will be able to provide more consistent scoring as the season progresses.
Jenny Anderson had another double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
On Jan. 4 the Vikings defeated a much-improved Pine City team 58-37. The Vikings never trailed, and put the game away in the third quarter by outscoring the Dragons 18-12 for a 43-29 lead.
Megan Stegmeir scored 20 points and Jill VandenHeuvel added 10.
Up next: Jan. 14 at Big Lake, 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 18 at Foley, 7:30 p.m.

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