The New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva sixth-grade girls’ basketball team competed in the Minnesota Youth Athletic Services grade-school tournament March 5-6 in Bloomington.

They didn’t know what to expect as they went from Class 1A last year, which they won in some very close games, but moved up to Class 4A this year. It was a pool of 16 teams all from larger schools.

On March 5, they beat Winona 34-26. They then went on to defeat Hopkins 37-15. On March 6, they faced a great shooting team from White Bear Lake and pulled out a victory 40-35. They then met up with Prior Lake in the championship game. It was quite a battle but NRHEG was victorious 31-26.

“It was a terrific learning experience as the girls played their hearts out,” coach Sharon Ramaker said. “They learned a lot as they played against different defenses and presses. Our pressure from the press helped the girls score some quick baskets when we needed them. I am proud of all the girls and it has been terrific to see how much they have improved since third grade.”