The North Branch/Rush City girls basketball team hosted Hermantown Wednesday night in the section quarterfinals.
The Vikings got off to a quick start, and took no time to jump out to a double digit lead. The defense didn't allow the Hawks to get into double digit scoring till late in the 1st half. The Vikes were also able to find their shots from outside, and well outside the perimeter, dropping 6 three's in the first half. It was a clean first half for NB/RC until it wasn't, they picked up 11 team fouls and turned the ball over 13 times in what seemed like only a few minutes. Hermantown capitalized on the turnovers and began to break down the NB/RC lead. Although they were still leading by double digits, the Vikings seemed to surrender some momentum to the Hawks before half. NB/RC still held a 35-19 lead at half, thanks in part to 14 forced turnovers, nine of them by way of steals.
What the Vikings seemed to have lost in momentum was quickly made up at the start of the 2nd half and throughout. The offense had no trouble finding open shots, end even if it wasn't open they made precise passes to assist on a basket. The Vikings pulled away and with about 3 minutes left they were able to roll in all of the younger bench players. NB/RC was again aggressive on defense forcing the Hawks to turn it over 19 times in the 2nd half, 33 total in the game. The Vikes walked away with one final win at home 72-44!
With the win the Vikings are headed to the section semi finals on Saturday on the road against Rock Ridge!
Scoring:
NB/RC
Ella Kuhlman 31
Kayla Diedrich 14
Isabella Folkema 9
Maria Damiani 8
Katelyn Lattimore 5
Johanna Bartkey 4
Natalia Rosales 2
Amelia Lattimore 1
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