Irish girls get win over Holdingford

by Rachel Latour
On Tuesday night, Jan. 24, the Irish were on the road at Holdingford. This was the only team Maple Lake had yet to play in the conference this season. Breaking their five-game losing streak, the Irish defeated Holdingford with a score of 54-43.
Both teams played tough man-to-man defense, but the Irish grabbed the early lead and never really looked back. Getting the Huskers’ main point guard/leading scorer in foul trouble for most of the game was crucial, leading to the Irish victory.
“We came out firing in the first half as Rachel Latour hit three three-pointers early in the game. Brooke Decker scored eight of her game-high 18 in the first half,” said Head Coach Adam Ronnenberg.
The story of the night was definitely the Irish defense. Despite giving up 50 or more points in each of the last 10 games, the Irish only gave up 21 in the first half and 43 for the game.
The Irish led for most of the second half. However, the Huskers fought back with full-court pressure and got within 6 points (32-38) midway through the second half. Maintaining control and composure, the Irish proved to be too much for the Huskers.
“Brooke Decker led the way with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists,” said Ronnenberg. “Shelby Rachel scored 8 points and had 5 rebounds. Rachel Latour finished with 13 points.”
Shooting was vital in the game with the Irish shooting 23/46 from the field for 50%, a season high. The Huskers were just 15/45 for 33%. Also, the Irish held the Huskers’ leading scorer scoreless for the first time all season.
“The girls played well, especially on the defensive end,” said Ronnenberg. “We forced them into some tough shots and found a way to capitalize on the offensive end.”
  Pts. RB Asts. Stls.  FT       
R. Latour       13 -/4 2   –      
B. Decker   18 4/7 5 1       2/2
H. Haegele     6   -/2 1   1       -/4
E. Webb       2 1/2 –   –        
S. Rachel       9   1/3 4 –       1/2
D. Hudek        4   -/2 1   –         –  
K. Sturm        2   3/1 1 –         2/2
L. Aanerud   –     1/- –   1       –      
  
Irish vs. EVW
The Irish were on the road yet again on Thursday, Jan. 26, only this time it was to Eden Valley-Watkins. This was the second and final match-up of the season for these two teams. The Irish fell to the Eagles at home earlier in the year by a score of 58-43.
Right from the start, the game was a battle. With both teams playing very physical, it was hard to say which one would come out on top. Scoring went back-and-forth in the beginning of the game because both teams played such great defense. The Eagles’ defense proved to be more intense, however, making it difficult for the Irish to run an offense. The halftime score was 14-23.
Trailing by nine to start the half, the Irish tried to get some offense going, but struggled to find any rhythm because of the suffocating Eagle defense. The inside game was something the Irish knew they would have to slow down in order to keep pace with the Eagles. Unfortunately, the post play was too powerful. The Eagles defeated the Irish, 29-46.
“Shelby Rachel did her best to match up in the post, grabbing 10 rebounds,” said Ronnenberg. “Rachel Latour paced the Irish with 11 points.”
The Irish were out-rebounded 38-29, giving up 17 offensive rebounds. The Irish only shot the ball 36 times throughout the game. Although they shot 21 free throws, they unfortunately made only 11. For the first time in 8 games, the Irish had over 20 turnovers.
“This is the best defense we will see out of any team remaining on our schedule,” said Ronnenberg. “Although I thought we did a good job of helping on the inside, it just wasn’t enough. Overall, this is a tough match-up for us based on size, but I was pleased with our effort and persistence on both ends.”
  Pts. RB Asts. Stls.  FT      
R. Latour       11 1/2 –   1       3/4
B. Decker      6     3/3 2   2       2/7
E. Webb       4   3/2 –   3       2/2
S. Rachel       4   3/7 1   1         3/6
D. Hudek        –   2/2 –     –       1/2 
K.Sturm        –   -/1 1   –        
L.Aanerud      2   -/1   –     –         –     
On Tuesday night, Jan. 24, the Irish were on the road at Holdingford. This was the only team Maple Lake had yet to play in the conference this season. Breaking their five-game losing streak, the Irish defeated Holdingford with a score of 54-43.
Both teams played tough man-to-man defense, but the Irish grabbed the early lead and never really looked back. Getting the Huskers’ main point guard/leading scorer in foul trouble for most of the game was crucial, leading to the Irish victory.
“We came out firing in the first half as Rachel Latour hit three three-pointers early in the game. Brooke Decker scored eight of her game-high 18 in the first half,” said Head Coach Adam Ronnenberg.
The story of the night was definitely the Irish defense. Despite giving up 50 or more points in each of the last 10 games, the Irish only gave up 21 in the first half and 43 for the game.
The Irish led for most of the second half. However, the Huskers fought back with full-court pressure and got within 6 points (32-38) midway through the second half. Maintaining control and composure, the Irish proved to be too much for the Huskers.
“Brooke Decker led the way with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists,” said Ronnenberg. “Shelby Rachel scored 8 points and had 5 rebounds. Rachel Latour finished with 13 points.”
Shooting was vital in the game with the Irish shooting 23/46 from the field for 50%, a season high. The Huskers were just 15/45 for 33%. Also, the Irish held the Huskers’ leading scorer scoreless for the first time all season.
More information and stats appear in this week’s Messenger.

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