The fact that Eagan trailed Apple Valley after the first half of their South Suburban Conference matchup Tuesday should not be a surprise. Neither should the Wildcats’ ability to pull out a victory.

Eagan stormed back from a four-point halftime deficit to defeat the Eagles 64-52 in a game at Apple Valley High School. 

It was the second time this season the Wildcats rallied to record a victory over the Eagles (10-9, 5-6). Eagan overcame a seven-point deficit to win the first meeting 83-82, and Wildcats coach Liz Carpentier said her team's tenacity is far from astonishing. 

“We’ve had this attitude all year long, where we refuse to give up,” Carpentier said. “I’m proud of the girls because they fought through adversity.”

Down by 12 points to the Eagles in the first half of Tuesday’s matchup, Eagan (14-5, 9-2) never panicked and systematically clawed its way back into the game. 

Senior forward Dani Bischoff and junior guard Tamira McLemore co-hosted the Wildcats’ comeback show. 

Bischoff, who finished with a game-high 19 points, showed unflappable resolve under the basket, making multiple second-chance shots while battling Apple Valley's frontcourt. She also converted several key free throws to extend Eagan's lead to double digits in the game’s waning minutes.

Bischoff’s poise and experience were key in the victory, Carpentier said.

“She is a true leader for us,” Carpentier added. “She’s our quiet leader, and she leads by example.”

And Bischoff’s guidance is not limited to the basketball court.

“She’s like a big sister to me,” said McLemore, who has played on Eagan’s varsity team since the eighth grade.

McLemore is the vocal leader and her enthusiasm on the court never wavers, Carpentier said.

“(Tamira) is our energy,” Carpentier said. “She’s the one ‘energizer bunny’ that never stops.”

McLemore’s enthusiasm helped her end the game with 17 points. 

While each has her own unique qualities, Bischoff and McLemore have teamed to lead the Wildcats in scoring. Bischoff averages 20.6 points per game, while McLemore averages 13. 

It’s a combination that also has Eagan sitting in second place in the conference standings and vying for a high seed in the Class 4A, Section 3 playoffs.

“We work really well together,” Bischoff said. 

Bischoff and McLemore have only a few more months as teammates. Once the season is over, Bischoff can fully turn her attention to her post-high school playing career.

An All-Conference First Team selection last year, Bischoff said several smaller college have shown interest in her but she hasn’t decided on where she wants play.

For now, Bischoff and McLemore are savoring a sweet victory over a conference and section rival. A victory made even sweeter by the fact that Apple Valley entered the game set on ending the Wildcats’ four-game winning streak. 

“It was fun to beat them,” McLemore said with a smile. “Because they came into the game thinking they were going to win.”

Senior forward Dani Bischoff scored a game-high 19 points to lead Eagan over South Suburban Conference rival Apple Valley 64-52 at Apple Valley High School on Tuesday. 

Bischoff’s ability to drive the lane and pick up fouls on the Eagles’ frontcourt in the second half proved to be the difference. Bischoff made multiple trips to the free-throw line, where she converted several key foul shots to help the Wildcats build a double-digit lead late in the game.

Junior guard Tamira McLemore tallied 17 points and senior guard Olivia Weinberger chipped in 11 for the Wildcats (14-5, 9-2). 

Freshman center Marie Olson led the Eagles (10-9, 5-6) with 17 points, while sophomore forward Sara Teske added 14 and sophomore guard Lyndsey Robson had 13 in the loss.

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