An early season showdown between two of the top ten Division Four girls’ basketball teams in the state did not disappoint a capacity crowd Thursday Night at Lancer Circle.
Despite the Packers playing, it didn’t deter plans for many to fill the Lancer gym, as they witnessed a great game that saw eighth-ranked Manitowoc Lutheran defeat third-ranked St. Mary Catholic 76 to 72 in a Big East-North division battle at Lancer Circle.
Head Coach Mike Behnke tells Seehafernews.com that this was a tremendous early season win for his team.
“It’s pretty big. It validates many things we’ve been working on, including extra minutes and reps in the gym. When you have a win like this, no matter what time of the year, it validates all the hard work we’ve been putting in.”
The Lancers led by as many as 12, but St. Mary Catholic wouldn’t go away, rallying to take the lead before a Lancer run late put the game away.
Behnke said his team showed some great resolve and grit.
“When we fell behind, we never panicked. We kept attacking and working on the little things we could control, and we made plays down the stretch to hold on and win.” Behnke adds—
“These kids showed grit and resolve not to let one or two little things that went against them deny their quest to stay committed and finish strong.”
The Lancer bench boss says that they must put it into its proper perspective as big as this win is.
“It’s great to celebrate for the kids, but we’re taking it one game at a time. We’re focusing on implementing the plan, emphasizing executing the basics. It comes from many areas and varies from game to game. But if we can recognize those and come through when the time comes, we can certainly reach all of our expectations this season.”
Makiah Krause led Manitowoc Lutheran with 20 points, Marissa Melhorn chipped in 16, and Addison Korte added 14 points. Abby Behnke had a game-high of 13 rebounds off the bench.
Emily Vogel led St. Mary Catholic with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds as The Lancers improved to 1 and 0 in The Big East North and 4 and 0 on the year.
The Zephyrs are 0 and 1 in the league and 3 and 1 in the year.
Manitowoc Lutheran continues a three-game homestead Saturday afternoon when they host The Kewaunee Storm. Tip time is 1 p.m.
