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PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Lakeview holds off Wabasso, 61-58

Photo by Gary Kaczmarek Lakeview’s Erin Stevens shoots against Wabasso on Tuesday. The Lakers defeated the Rabbits 61-58.

WABASSO – The Lakeview Lakers finish their regular season on a high note, defeating the Wabasso Rabbits 61-58 Tuesday night.

After being down five points at half, the Lakers used the first nine minutes of the second half to regain the lead 39-38.

Lakeview’s Coach Mike Imes knew his team needed to take care of the ball coming out of the half.

“We went into the half down only five and had 19 turnovers,” said Imes. “I told them if we take care of the ball we have a good chance to win this game.”

Imes added, “When we didn’t turn the ball over and ran our offense we made shots. It was that simple.”

The went to their bigs underneath to start the second half. Erin Stevens scored four quick points and Maddie Fenske was able to attack the Rabbit’s zone defense.”

Wabasso leaned on Maddie Guetter in the second half. She finished with 20 points and scored the last nine points for the Rabbits.

Guetter finished with a triple-double, along with her 20 points she grabbed 11 rebounds and 11 steals.

The Lakers’ defense was able to slow down the shooters for Wabasso in the second half.

“I thought our defense played well tonight,” said Imes. “We didn’t let them go on any extended runs in the second half. We were down nine early and I thought we did a good job battling back.”

Wabasso’s coach Neil Dolan knows it’s tough to play two good teams in two days.

“They played good defense tonight,” said Dolan. “They wanted it a little more than we did. I don’t fault my girls at all, they always play very hard. There are no excuses, but it’s tough to play back to back games.”

Dolan continued, “I have to credit Lakeview, they played hard.”

Stelter finished the night with 21 points. She was clutch from the free-throw line in the second half, making 10 out of 12.

Fenske chipped in with 20 points and 15 rebounds in the win. With the 20 points, she is now at 996 points on her career and will look to break the 1,000-point marker on Saturday.

“I don’t know what more I can ask from her (Fenske),” said Imes. “That’s an unbelievable game. She took over in the beginning of the second half.”

Jenna Frank had 10 points in the first half for the Rabbits. She hit three 3-pointers in the half.

Stelter credited her teammates for picking up the defense and executing on offense in the second half.

“We had 19 turnovers at half,” said Stelter. “If we take nine of those away and only have ten turnovers, we could have had ten more points at least and had a lead.”

Stelter added, “I think it was all heart that second half. We needed a signature win, why not have it now. We made it our goal to pound hard on defense and finishing on offense.”

The Rabbits finish the regular season 13-13 and grabbed the No. 3 seed in the Section 3A North bracket. They will face No. 6 Dawson-Boyd (7-18) Saturday in Montevideo at 4 p.m.

Dolan knows his Rabbits need to get back to playing Wabasso basketball.

“We were able to beat them here earlier in the season,” said Dolan. “They will press a little bit and play some zone against us. It is just a matter of playing our game and we will be fine.”

The Lakers (13-12) received the No. 5 seed in the Section 3AA North tournament. They will face No. 4 Montevideo (12-9) in Montevideo on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

“Our goal tonight was to come in here and play well,” said Imes. “We wanted to get ready for Saturday and I thought we did that.”

Imes added, “Monte is a pretty good ball club from what we scouted them. The Olson girl is a really good guard, we are going to have our hands full with her. We need to take better care of the ball if we have a chance to win.”

Stelter and her teammates are looking to play the spoilers.

“They like to penetrate,” said Stelter. “They are like Wabasso. We are looking for a big win.”

Lakeview 23 38 – 61

Wabasso 28 30 – 58

SCORING: Lakeview 20-50, 40 percent (Stelter 5-10 11-14 21; Fenske 10-18 0-0 20; Stevens 2-8 4-4 8; Peltier 1-5 3-6 5; Varpness 1-2 2-2 4; Sierra Plotz 1-4 0-0 2; Hanson 0-1 1-2 1); Wabasso (Guetter 20; Frank 16; Benz 14; Bernardy 6, Jenniges 2).

3-POINT FGS: Lakeview 0-2 0 percent; Wabasso 4 (Frank 3).

REBOUNDS: Lakeview 37 (Fenske 15; Stelter 5; Varpness, Peltier 4; Stevens 3; Hanson, Grube 2; Sierra Plotz, Unke 1); Wabasso 28 (Guetter 11; Bernardy 6).

ASSISTS: Lakeview 10 (Stelter 5; Varpness 3; Fenske, Peltier 1); Wabasso 10 (Guetter 3; Goblirsch 3).

STEALS: Lakeview 6 (Stelter 5; Stevens 1); Wabasso 18 (Guetter 11; Frank 3; Bernardy 3; Benz 3).

BLOCKS: Lakeview 8 (Fenske 4; Stelter 2; Peltier, Stevens 1); Wabasso 4 (Guetter 3).

FOULS: Lakeview 21 (fouled out: Fenske); Wabasso N/A

TURNOVERS: Lakeview 28; Wabasso 2.

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