By Brenda Erdahl
Sports Editor
The Maple Lake girls basketball team won its first playoff game since 2018 when they defeated St. John’s Prep on Monday, Feb. 26th in the first game of the Section 5A tournament last week.
As the high seed (No. 8) the Irish hosted St. John’s Prep (No. 9) and came out on top with a 39-30 victory.
The win advanced them to the quarter finals in Ogilvie where they faced the host team who, at the time, sported a 22-3 season record.
The Irish couldn’t stand up to the Lion’s fast paced game and fell 67-35 to end their season.
Maple Lake 39, St. John’s Prep 30
Maple Lake and St. John’s played a close first half, tying the score 10-10 with about six minutes to play. St. John’s played a tough 1-3-1 defense that had the Irish miffed for much of the half, Coach Ronnenberg said.
As the break neared, Aleigha Jensen hit a three pointer from the wing to start an 8-3 run for the Irish that turned into an 18-13 lead going into the second half. The Irish played a tough 2-3 zone to keep the run going and that proved to be the difference.
The Irish came out firing on all cylinders to score the first nine points of the second half which gave them a solid 14-point lead. The Maple Lake team never looked back from there.
“This was the first playoff win in a long time for the girls. Defense was the name of the game, and we will always have a good chance to win when we hold a team to 30 points. Super proud of how hard they continue to play,” Coach Ronnenberg said.
Jensen led scoring with 13 points and eight rebounds. The Irish won the rebound battle 40-34 but struggled with turnovers.
Maple Lake 35, Ogilvie 67
The Irish who like to slow the game down and limit possession struggled against the Lion’s fast paced game. Irish defense set up in a triangle and two zone to try and limit Ogilvie’s scorers. They battled hard and for the first five minutes of the game trailed by just one, Ronnenberg said. The Lions cranked up the pressure and the Irish fell victim to several turnovers that the Lions turned into baskets.
The Irish went about six and a half minutes without scoring while the Lions hit their stride. By the break, Maple Lake trailed 17-41.
The Irish cut the lead to 19 at one point, but that was as close as they would get.
“It is always tough to see it end, especially for our two seniors-Kass (Fynboh) and Mady (Payne). I am super excited for the direction the program is headed in,” Ronnenberg said. “Defend, hustle, and battle in every game and good things will continue to come our way.”
Avery Lee led the scoring charge with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Tessa Pribyl notched her fourth double-double of the year with 10 points and 14 rebounds.