Its ben a long time coming
The Lady Panthers achieved being seeded #1 in the district for the first time since 1994. Rugby and Velva entered into competition at Rugby on Tuesday, Feb. 8, each undefeated in the district.
It was an up and down, hard fought battle but at the end of the game, the Rugby Panthers won 46-41.
“It was a game of defense,” said Coach Jen Brossart. “Both sides played defensively.”
“Senior Crystal Hovland had two big clutch layups and then two free throws in the end to seal the deal,” said Brossart, referring to the freethrows that Crystal and her sister, Aubrey, nailed at the end of the game.
The coach said she told Hovland, “You are the senior leader, get it going.” And she did just that. Leigha Schmaltz, who will be a leader for two more years, made 12 points and really hustled.
“I’m proud of all of our girls,” added Brossart.
Allison Volk put the team ahead by one just when it was needed. Abby Paul guarded their best player Emily Manley. Molly Koenig got rebounds. Tessa Koenig contributed 3 points and Aubrey Hovland 4.
Velva has all good players and Rugby stepped up to the challenge.
“Every game since Mohall, the girls have improved,” said Brossart.
Yet nothing is ever perfect. There were 21 turnovers in this game.
“We need to get this down before districts,” said Brossart.
“Our shooting needs more consistency, especially outside shooting,” she added.
Brossart said the girls are good at working on whatever skills they need to improve. They have played all the teams and will need to put it all together for districts.