NEW RICHLAND – The Alden-Conger girls’ basketball team has surprised some opponents this season.

Saturday, February 16, 2002

NEW RICHLAND – The Alden-Conger girls’ basketball team has surprised some opponents this season.

The New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Panthers weren’t one of them.

The Panthers finished a season sweep of the Knights with a 58-35 decision at New Richland Friday night. It was the final Gopher Conference game for both squads, with the Panthers finishing 5-7 and the Knights 1-11.

&uot;It was a good game,&uot; said NRHEG coach Mindy Sparby. &uot;We started a little slow but we really turned it on in the second half. Our kids played well offensively, they passed the ball well and they moved their feet on defense.&uot;

The Panthers led 12-9, 21-14 and 37-18 at the breaks.

NRHEG was also very effective with its pressure defense, totaling 23 steals while helping force 13 turnovers.

Rachel Andree led a balanced scoring attack for the Panthers, totaling 14 points while adding six steals and six assists. Erin Anderson had 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals, Kelli Schlaak 11 points, five rebounds and four steals. Camille Kyte contributed seven points, Jennifer Schroeder six points and three steals.

Tasha Lackey scored 11 points for the Knights. Nicole Krueger netted seven, Stef Ausen six.

The Panthers host St. Clair Tuesday. The Knights open sub-section play Friday.