It may have been a low scoring game, but the Lady Panthers beat the Des Lacs-Burlington Lady Lakers 35-27 on Jan. 10 at home. With the exception of Crystal Hovland who scored 16 points, not a lot of shooting was going on.

“Our biggest concern was the shooting,” said Coach Jen Brossart. “Our shooting percentage needs to get above 40% from everyone.”

It’s a matter of repetition and confidence, according to the coach. “I keep telling the girls that they have to treat practices as if they were games.”

Brossart went on to say that the team executed good offensive plays and was moving the ball better.

Every team goes through these ups and downs explained Brossart.

“This is the valley, we need to go on an upward climb,” she added.

One player who has been showing steady improvement is Leigha Schmaltz, according to the coach. The Rugby junior has been a starter in recent games.

“She is a hustler, quick and aggressive, ” said Brossart. “If the game can get physical it is right up her alley.”

Molly Koenig and Allison Volk added some assistance in this game, as well. Koenig got seven rebounds and added six points to the scoreboard. Volk made a three-pointer and a field goal to add five more points. Aubrey Hovland, Chandra Yankton, and Schmaltz added three each.

With a little more practice and a little more confidence, team members will all be working on making shots for the contest against Drake-Anamoose scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 13.

Every game is a lesson learned in preparation for district competition.

Brossart knows her team has the capability, she hopes they will step up to the challenge.