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PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Lakers fall to Wildcats in Section 3AA North Semifinals, 62-43

Photo by Gary Kaczmarek Lakeview’s Bridget Varpness prepares to shoot a 3-pointer against New London-Spicer in the Section 3AA quarterfinals Tuesday. The Lakers fell 62-43.

MONTEVIDEO – The Lakeview Lakers’ starting five seniors played their final game of their careers as they fell to the New London-Spicer Wildcats 62-43.

The Lakers started the first half strong. Lakeview grabbed an 8-7 lead behind six early points by Erin Stevens.

Stevens credited the early success to team play.

“I think we really played as a team,” said Stevens. “When we come out and play as a team we have been really strong this season.”

The Wildcats’ defense came alive halfway through the first half. They kept the Lakers scoreless for six and a half minutes and went on a 13-0 run.

NLS’s Brooke Buening scored 10 of the 13 points.

Lakeview’s Sadie Stelter hit a runner and a 3-pointer to cut the halftime lead to 33-15.

Lakers’ coach Mike Imes thought his team played well for must of the first half.

“I thought we played them tough most of the first half,” said Imes. “It came down to the last few minutes of the half. They hit four threes on us and stretched the lead from seven to 18 points.”

Imes continued, “It seemed from that point on we played them even, but just couldn’t gain any ground.”

The Lakers fought the second half, going toe-to-toe with the No. 1 team in the section, only allowing 29 points and scoring 28 themselves.

“Our kids hung in there,” said Imes. “They had a chance to hang their heads and quit. I’m proud of their effort.”

Stelter had 18 of her 25 points in the second half to lead the way for the Lakers.

Along with Stelter and Stevens, the Lakers graduate four other seniors.

Maddie Fenske, Brooklin Peltier, Bridget Varpness, and Samara Plotz all played in their last game.

Imes knows how important this group has been to the Laker’s program.

“This class is special,” said Imes. “In the fact they have been playing varsity for three, four, and even five years. They have had the bulk of our minutes the last three/four years.”

Imes added, “They are the reason for our success the last couple of years. We have had back to back winning seasons, which we haven’t done in a while.”

Stevens with remember all the good times her and her teammates had together.

“I think this is a sisterhood,” said Stevens. “We have each others backs. They are the people you grow up with.”

Stevens added, “We have done everything together. From slumber parties to practices to early morning bus drives. It has been a really great ride with them. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Stevens had seven points and 11 rebounds while Fenske chipped in with 10 points and 15 rebounds.

The Lakers finished 14-13 on the season.

NLS will face Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Thursday at 8 p.m. at SMSU.

LKV 15 28–43

NLS 33 29–63

Lakeview (14-13): Stelter 9-29 4-6 25; Fenske 4-15 2-2 10; Stevens 3-11 1-1 7; Varpness 0-1 1-2 1. TOTALS 16-63 (25%) 8-11 (73%) 43.

Lakeview Stats: 3-PT FG: 3-15 (Stelter 3). REBOUNDS 39 (Fenske 15, Stevens 11, Stelter 6). ASSISTS: (Plotz 3, Stevens 3). STEALS: 3 (Stelter 2). BLOCKS: 3 (Fenske 2, Stevens 1). FOULS: 9. TURNOVERS: 13.

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