Crystal Hovland makes 1000th point
Rugby Senior Crystal Hovland reached her 1,000th point mark in the girls basketball game against the Harvey Hornets on Thursday, December 30. It came as somewhat of a surprise as she did not know she was close to that point until the coach told her at the previous game against Leeds-Maddock. The Panthers lost that game.
“I didn’t get it done at that game so it had to wait until Harvey,” said Hovland.
She went on to say that she was annoyed with the way the game was going and didn’t really realize her achievement until later.
“I’m happy I had the opportunity to make that goal with the help of my teammates,” she said later.
The Lady Panthers are in a slump after losing three games in a row.
“It’s a bit of a low point, ” said Hovland. “All four wheels have fallen off the wagon.”
She went on to explain that all teams go through these periods at times and she hopes she and her team members can continue to improve their skills and play well the rest of the season.
Coach Jennifer Brossart hopes so, too.
“We are not playing up to our potential yet,” said the coach.
She said the team needs to work on better ball handling and shooting. She attributes the losses to a lack of concentration and the team taking things for granted.
“We need some other girls to step up and be consistent,” said Brossart.
The Panthers lost the physical presence of one of their senior leaders during the first game of the season. Emily Paul had surgery on Monday, January 3 for damaged ACL and Meniscus ligaments in her knee. Although she is out of play for the season, Emily has been at every practice.
“She has taken her injury like a lady and has a good mindset,” said Coach Brossart. “Emily is a leader on and off the court.”
One athlete that did step up her game was Aubrey Hovland who made 11 points in the game against Four Winds on Tuesday, January 4. “She stood out and gained some confidence in the process,” said her coach.
“Leah Schmaltz showed me some things in the fourth quarter, but she needs to be consistent,” said Brossart.
Consistency is a problem in rebounding as well.
Molly Koenig enjoys rebounding and adds a lot to the team that way, according to her coach.
“Four Winds is a very good team, said Coach Brossart.
She said that the Panthers were prepared, but not mentally prepared. The team kept track of the two main starters but forgot that there were three other players.
“We didn’t take care of business with the other three players,” said Brossart.
Brossart knows this team has potential. She is hoping they will hone their skills in practices before the next game.