Morgan Hennen (left) of Minneota battled Red Lake's Autumn Holthusen for a rebound in the first half of the Class 1A quarterfinals Thursday at Maturi Pavilion. Photo: Jerry Holt • Jerry.holt@startribune.com
It took some improvisation, but Minneota was finally able to pull away from Red Lake in the Class 1A quarterfinals Thursday at Maturi Pavilion.
After falling behind by 10 points early in the first half, the Vikings made adjustments and rallied for a 66-46 victory over the Warriors.
“We knew Red Lake played a very disruptive defense,” Minneota coach Chad Johnston said. “They pressure you all the time. You can’t really duplicate that in practice. For about three-fourths of the game, we ran a new offense, where we had to freelance.”
Red Lake opened a 14-4 lead with 12 minutes left in the first half before the Vikings (28-1) battled back. Consecutive three-point field goals by sophomore Abby Hennen gave the Vikings their first lead with seven minutes left in the half. The Vikings eventually built a 35-21 lead at halftime.
Minneota overcame a slow start to defeat Red Lake 66-46 in the Class 1A quarterfinals Thursday at Maturi Pavilion.
The Vikings trailed 14-4 six minutes into the game before regrouping.
Back-to-back three-point baskets by Abby Hennen gave the Vikings their first lead with seven minutes left in the half. The Vikings outscored the Warriors 15-7 over the final 6 ½ minutes of the first half to take a 35-21 halftime lead.
The Vikings eventually built an 18-point lead midway through the second half. The Warriors pulled within seven points with eight minutes left but the Vikings held on.
Lizzy Gillingham led the Vikings with 19 points. Lydia Sussner scored 18 and Abby Hennen added 16 for the Vikings. Gerika Kingbird led the Warriors with 17 points.
Check back later for more on the game.