December 6, 2007 at 9:59 a.m.
Playing without starters Kristin Robatcek and Megan Scherer, the Vikings had trouble scoring to start the game. "For a while, I was wondering if we were ever gonna score," said Viking head coach Dan Schindler.
In the game, 10 Vikings saw their first significant varsity playing time and there wer five new starters. "I think most of them were really nervous," Schindler added. "We came out really tight and didn't score for the first seven minutes. We missed the first five shots and had seven turnovers."
During that time, Mahtomedi took a 9-0 lead. "But, we started to settle down a little bit and cut the the lead to 13-9 and stayed close most of the first half," the coach continued. "Really, we just needed to shoot the basketball better. This is a really young team right now, especially in varsity experience, and it's just going to take a while for the girls to settle in and relax. I really like their effort and most of them have tremendous upside potential. But, it will take a while and be a learning and growing experience for all of us."
Trailing 19-11 at halftime, North Branch outscored the Zephyrs 21-18 after the intermission. "We made a run at them at the second half but just couldn't score enough to win," Schindler said. "I thought Ashley Johnson had a nice second half and led us with 11 points. Sophomore Rebecca Collins led us with 12 rebounds and added six points. Freshman Kendra Norman played her first varsity game and added four points and had five steals."
North Branch 11 18 29
Mahtomedi 19 21 40
North Branch Scoring
Cori Fairbanks 4
Kendra Norman 4
Miranda Charley 2
Rebecca Collins 6
Amanda Sylla 2
Ashley Johnson 11
Total 29
The Vikings next two games are on the road. They play at St. Louis Park Tuesday, December 11 and Fridley, Friday, September 14. Both contests are scheduled for 7:15 tip-offs.
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