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The Northland Lady Eagles finished their holiday break Jan. 2 with a road trip to Pillager to take on the Huskies. Down by only a point at half, the girls were not able to make up the basket and ended up on the short end of a 66-73 final score.

"We didn't play bad, we just never shifted into the next gear that I was hoping for," commented Head Coach Jenny Kovall. "If we're able to step up our inside defense a little, these close losses will turn into wins."

Chloe Wolske led the charge with 24 points and four rebounds followed by Maddie Shepard with 19 points and six boards. Kali Wake recorded a double-double effort that included 14 points with 11 boards and 6 take-aways on defense. Kristine Johnson added seven points and a solid seven steals.

On Jan. 5, the girls were on the road again against the Panthers of Cass Lake-Bena. The girls would suffer their second loss of the year 67-85.

"We absolutely did not show up for this game, I was disappointed to say the least. Everything they (Cass Lake) put up went in, one of those nights that was very frustrating for all of us." Said Coach Kovall. "We'll learn from our mistakes and move forward, there is a lot of season left and this team has a bright future."

Shepard led the charge this night as she put up 21 points to go with five steals; Johnson put up a double-double with 17 points, 12 steals and seven boards. Wolske added an even dozen to the tally and Wake added 10.

With a pair of losses behind them in 2015, the ladies looked to notch a 'w' when they played host to Laporte on Jan. 8. The home court helped elevate the confidence level and the girls would break through 82-59.

"We were a little shaky in the first half, but we regrouped and came out for the second half a different team," said Coach Kovall.

Johnson was busy on both ends of the court with 23 points, 13 steals, seven rebounds and four assists. Wolske did not see much rest either as she piled up 17 points, five steals, six assists and seven rebounds. Wake dropped in 17 points of her own and came down with nine rebounds. Dakota Carstens came off the bench to contribute five points, three take-aways and three rebounds.

"This is the team we've been working for to show up! When we're able to hold this intensity that we showed in the second half, we'll reap the benefits as the season moves forward," concluded Coach Kovall.

The Lady Eagles will return to the hardwood Mon., Jan. 12 at Menahga; Tues., Jan. 13 hosting Chisholm; Thurs., Jan. 15 at Greenway and Sat., Jan. 17 at Onamia. Varsity games at 7 p.m., Onamia Tournament at Noon.[[In-content Ad]]

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