Huge 2nd half propels Vikings over Wolverines 55-37
Stassen double-double leads Minneota to road victory v. MACCRAY
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MINNEOTA -- The Minneota Vikings used a huge second half to defeat the MACCRAY Wolverines 55-37 on Friday evening.
The Vikings and Wolverines both came out cold shooting the ball. Both teams were playing at a frenetic pace, but neither could gain separation from the other. Brielle Jensen was dominant in the first half, scoring 15 of her team's 24 points.
The Vikings would also score 24 points to keep the game tied at halftime.
Then some adjustments were made and the Vikings took off.
Vikings head coach Alan Panka made a defensive switch to a zone to slow down Jensen and the Wolverines in the second half
"We don't normally run zone," Panka said. "We wanted to make some adjustments and we threw a zone defense out there and it was working. Our defense picked up and out of those defensive stops, we were able to get some points in transition."
Jensen scored 3 points in the second half due to the Vikings crowding her in their zone defense, forcing anyone else to beat them. The Vikings held the Wolverines to 13 second-half points.
The return of Grace Hennen also helped out the Vikings, as Hennen led them in scoring with 15 points and had four rebounds.
"I felt a little slow in movement, haven't scrimmaged or practiced all week," Hennen said. "I felt little rusty missing layups in the first half but found my rhythm in the second half. When Stassen is getting those rebounds, I just see the opportunity to run to the opposite end and she can throw it up to me."
The Vikings' offense was more patient in the second half, passing up a good shot for a great shot in scoring 31 second-half points.
Ireland Stassen had 11 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists in the victory. Faith Myhre had 12 points and seven rebounds in the contest.
"Getting stops on defense and pushing the ball up the court helped us tonight," Myhre said. "It was amazing having Grace back tonight. She's such a hard worker. It's amazing what she can do even when she's been out of practice for so long. She's a confident and skilled player. On our second half defense, we just wanted to make sure Jansen did not get the ball inside. She's one heck of a player."
The Minneota Vikings get a few days off before they host the Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Panthers on Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.