Waconia forward Addy Salzer (31) scored a second-half layup against Red Wing. Photo: Aaron Lavinsky • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com
Playing in the girls’ basketball state tournament for the first time in school history, Waconia had one of its worst offensive games of the season.
But the Wildcats, after shooting 24% from the field and 41% from the free throw line in the first 36 minutes, persevered to pull out a 52-45 overtime victory over third-seeded Red Wing in the Class 3A quarterfinals on Wednesday at Maturi Pavilion.
The Wildcats made three of four field-goal attempts and all eight free throw attempts in the extra session to advance.
“It was due to them [Red Wing],” Wildcats coach Dusty Neibauer said. “They are one of the best defensive teams in 3A. They gave up just seven points in the first half of their section final. They’re physical, but don’t take chances. They are really, really good.”
Addy Salzer scored nine of her 19 points in the overtime to lead Waconia to a 52-45 victory over third-seeded Red Wing in a Class 3A quarterfinal Wednesday at Maturi Pavilion.
Salzer's three-pointer with 1:30 left in the overtime gave the Wildcats, making their first appearance in the state tournament, a 44-41 lead. She added six free throws in the final 63 seconds to help the Wildcats hold off the Wingers.
Waconia (20-10) had a 22-19 lead at halftime. The score was tied 37-37 at the end of regulation.
The Wildcats outscored the Wingers 15-8 in the overtime, going 8-for-8 from the free throw line.
Red Wing (26-3) had a 12-game winning streak ended.
Check back later for more on the game.