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Norwood Young America rolls Mayer Lutheran in conference play

By Brian Jerzak, SportsEngine, 01/12/17, 6:00PM CST

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Kali Grimm (21 points) and Bren Fox (20) helped the Raiders take the top spot in the Minnesota River Conference over the now No. 2 Crusaders.



Norwood Young America's Anna Mackenthun shoots over Maddie Hucky of Mayer Lutheran. Norwood Young America defeated Mayer Lutheran 78-58 in a matchup of top-ten Class 2A teams. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine


It wasn't just a battle for first place in the Minnesota River Conference at Mayer Lutheran High School when Norwood Young America (13-0, 5-0) defeated the Crusaders 78-58 on Thursday night, it was a battle between longtime rivals.

"It always has been a big rivalry for us – it always has been," junior center Bren Fox said. "We just needed to come out strong."

The Raiders, ranked No. 4 in Class 2A by Minnesota Basketball News, took control of the game early, storming out to an 11-0 lead. Junior guard Kali Grimm led the quick start, scoring seven of those 11 points.

"(Head coach Gary) Lembcke always stresses the first four minutes of every half," said Fox. "We needed come out and play our game."

With 15 points in the first half from Fox and another 12 from Grimm, Norwood Young America had built a 41-26 lead at the halftime whistle.

"I needed to focus on defense and rebounding and the points just came," Fox said.

Fox, who would finish with 20 points, was quick to point out how well Grimm played.

"She was a good all-around player tonight," Fox said. "She did some good things on the boards and let the shots come to her."

In the second half, junior forward Samantha Miller became a third scoring threat for the Raiders, finishing with 11 points – most of them in the second half.

"During the second half, I got more of my shots," Miller said. "I shot free throws well and did well rebounding."

Maddy Hucky and Emilee Gustin were consistent offensive threats for the Crusaders. Hucky had 13 points at the half and 17 for the game, while Gustin provided solid outside shooting, leading all scorers with 24 points.

On Saturday, Norwood-Young America will take on Plainview-Elgin-Millville while Mayer Lutheran will travel to Cleveland.  


Norwood Young America junior Bren Fox goes up for two of her twenty points in the Raiders victory over the Crusaders of Mayer Lutheran. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine



Mayer Lutheran senior Emilee Guster shoots from outside in the first half of Thursday night's game against Norwood Young America. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine


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