NRHEG opens season with win over St. Clair

NEW RICHLAND — After winning the Class 2A state consolation championship in the 2016-17 season, the NRHEG boys’ basketball team started its 2017 campaign Friday night at home against St. Clair.

The first half was a back and forth battle of the defenses, but eventually the Panthers were able to control the game and pull away from the Cyclones, winning 45-38

Both offenses opened the game to sluggish starts, with both the Panthers and Cyclones only scoring five points each throughout the first 10 minutes. Senior guard Benji Lundberg scored all of the Panthers’ first five points. NRHEG would give up its small early lead after a costly foul on a three-point shot.

With the Cyclones up 9-10, they went on a small five-point run to put the Panthers in a six-point hole with just over three minutes remaining in the half. After a quick jumper from senior Jarret Utpadel, junior Peyton Castle caught fire with back-to-back threes to put the Panthers on top, 17-15. The Cyclones would add two more points to their total and tie the game just before halftime.

St. Clair would put up a small run to open the second half, taking its lead to four points. Lundberg would again provide a big spark of energy for NRHEG, scoring six of the team’s next seven points to bring the team within one.

With around 10 minutes remaining in the game, the Panthers started to take control. Over the course of the next six minutes, the Panthers went on a 12-2 run with baskets from Lundgerg, Agrimson and Utpadel.

The Panthers dominated in the second half, especially down the stretch. They outscored the Cyclones 28 to 21 in the second period.

NRHEG was led in scoring by Lundberg with 22 points, Utpadel had eight, and Castle and Agrimson each had six.

The Panthers move to 1-0 on the season and will play again on Tuesday when they travel to Maple River.