The Manitowoc Lutheran girls basketball team is a victory away from attending the WIAA State Tournament at The Resch Center in Ashwaubenon. The last hurdle left to climb is against a familiar foe: The Lancers meet The Zephyrs of St. Mary Catholic in a WIAA Division Four Sectional Final on Saturday afternoon in Oconto Falls.
Manitowoc Lutheran, with a record of 25 and 2, defeated Kewaunee 68 to 63 in overtime Thursday night, while St. Mary Catholic, with a record of 24 and 3, defeated Bonduel 57 to 35 to advance.
The Lancers and Zephyrs are The Big East North Division co-champions and split their regular-season meetings. Manitowoc Lutheran won 76 to 72 on December 5th at Lancer Circle, and St. Mary Catholic won the second meeting 71 to 63 on January 17th in Fox Crossing.
Lancers Head Coach Mike Behnke tells Seehafernews.com that getting fired for this game will be easy.
“We’ve played each other twice. There will be no problem getting the kids fired up to play today, with this being the grudge match and the weight that carries with it.”
The Lancers predicate everything off their smothering 1-3-1 zone defense, designed to force turnovers and play up-tempo basketball. They also have a deep bench, which they utilize to try to defeat the opposition.
Emily Vogel, Autumn Crowe, and Nollie Anderson lead the Zephyrs, all of whom average double figures.
They also like to get up and down the floor, forcing more than 15 steals per game and scoring a lot of their transition points. Behnke says there are “no secrets” to hide on either side.
“We’re similar teams. A lot if it comes down to the little things. Our ability to get out and run, executing in the half court and boxing and sealing out.”.
Behnke adds—
“The in-game adjustments will be key, along with our ability to execute. If we can control the boards, I like our chances.”
Coverage of today’s game on 1240 WOMT and womtradio.com begins at 12:45 p.m.
