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The North Branch girls’ basketball team advanced its record to 3-1 with two wins last week. On Monday, the Vikings beat Mahtomedi 52-39 on the road and overwhelmed St. Paul Harding 66-15 at home Friday, December 8.

“This was a big win for us because Mahtomedi is in our section and this game will help us when it comes to seeding time,” said Viking head coach Dan Schindler.

North Branch started quickly against the Zephyrs. The Vikings jumped off to an 8-0 lead, mainly thanks to the shooting of Tiffany Good. Good hit two three’s right away, getting North Branch out to an early lead.

Mahtomedi fought its way back into the game on the strength of 14 offensive rebounds in the first half. “I was not happy with our rebounding in the first half,” Schindler continued. “You can't give a good team that many second chances and expect to win.”

By halftime, the Viking advantage had shrunk to 26-23.

During the intermission, the North Branch coaches concentrated on fixing the rebounding problem.

“I was really pleased the second half as we held them to only five offensive boards.  This team’s strength is not rebounding, but we have to do a better job to give ourselves a chance to succeed,” Schindler explained.

Good led the Vikes with 24 points and seven rebounds. Marlayna Graff also had seven boards and Gab Olson provided six assists.

“I was also pleased with our free throw shooting down the stretch. That iced the game as we were 10 for 15 from the line.  With the exception of our rebounding, we played a pretty solid game.   We also got some key minutes off the bench from Lacee Scherer.  She came in and really helped us with their physical play.   Overall it was a nice team win,” added Schindler.

NB Scoring vs Mahtomedi   

Kacie Ramberg.................4

Tiffany Good....................24

Randi Zentner....................4

Kristen Robatcek...............2

Lacee Scherer...................3

Marlayna Graff...................7

Gabrielle Olson.................8

North Branch.........26......26......52

Mahtomedi.............23......16......39

North Branch vs St. Paul Harding 

The Viking girls expanded a 36-5 halftime lead against short handed Harding into a 51-5 lead three minutes into the second half.

Three of Harding’s key players were unable to play and the outcome was never really in doubt. Viking coach Schindler took advantage of the situation by substituting liberally.

“It was a nice game in the fact that our reserves got to see a lot of playing time. Randi Zentner led us with 10 rebounds and added five assists.  She also had eight points.  Randi works extremely hard and it was nice to see her have a game like that.  She usually doesn't show up in the stat column that much, but always does those things that really help our team,” Schindler said.

Olson led the team with seven assists. Eleven Vikings scored, including sophomore Ashley Johnson, who scored her first varsity points.

“It was a good game for our bench players to get in and have some fun,” Schindler concluded.  

NB Scoring vs. St. Paul Harding

Kacie Ramberg................ 2

Tiffany Good................... 12

Randi Zentner.................. 8

Ellie Fairbanks................ 3

Kristen Robatcek............ 4

Lacee Scherer.................. 4

Jill VandenHeuvel........... 4

Heather Hoveland........... 6

Marlayna Graff............... 8

Gabrielle Olson............... 11

Ashley Johnson............... 4

St.Paul Harding......5.......10......15

North Branch........36.......30......66

The Vikings’ were scheduled to play Tuesday, December 13 at Cambridge, Thursday, December 15 at Columbia Heights and Duluth Central at home Saturday at 1 p.m.

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