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By Steve Morris
 The
offensive wheels came off their axles last week as the North Branch
girls basketball team hoisted its white flag to the Chisago Lakes
Wildcats in the first round of the section 3AAA playoffs. The loss
ended the team’s season.
Right: North Branch
senior Kristen Robatcek reacts was sadness after being taken out of the
game for her last time. She finished the game with 11 points, ending
her career as North Branch’s 7th all-time in points with 947 and 8th
all-time in steals with 318.
The final outcome: North Branch 40, Chisago Lakes 58.
The Vikings were outplayed by the Wildcats in the first half, as Chisago jumped ahead 28-12.
The girls went on a scoring drought in the middle of the first half.
Junior Megan Scherer scored to end the drought at the 1:35 mark, making
the score 34-14.
North Branch head coach Dan Schindler noted it was poor shooting and numerous turnovers which proved to be the team’s downfall.
“It has just been a combination of us turning over the ball too much
and shooting poorly for extended periods of time. It certainly hasn’t
been because of lack of effort as our girls have played hard every game
this season and their attitude has remained very positive,” he said.
Not helping the girls cause was the sharp shooting by Chisago. In the first half alone, they nailed five three pointers.
Scherer led the team with 16 points and six rebounds.
Senior Kristen Robatcek finished with 11 points and finished her career
at North Branch with 947 points (7th all-time) and 318 steals (8th
all-time.)
Schindler said he was thankful for the play and dedication seniors Cori
Fairbanks, Ashley Johnson, Kristen Kaminski and Robatcek for their four
years with the program.
“They are super student athletes and will be missed next year,” he said.
The Vikings finished their season 6-21 and 3-17 in the North Suburban Conference.
For Schindler, the season was a good way for the younger girls to gain some valuable experience for next season.
“I think our younger players learned a lot on the job this year and
know what they have to do for next year. It was still a fun season and
we will work hard this off-season to get better. I am confident many of
our players will be dedicated this summer and work hard to improve
their skills,” Schindler said.
Cori Fairbanks 2, Kristen Robatcek 11, Kendra Norman 2, Miranda
Charley 3, Megan Scherer 16, Rebecca Collins 3, Amanda Sylla 2, Ashley
Johnson 1
Briefly:
After defeating North Branch, Chisago Lakes advanced to the section
semifinals where they played Fridley. They lost the game, 60-55.
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