By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
On Tuesdasy night the Merrill girls basketball team traveled to Rhinelander for a non confernce game against the Hodags. The Hodags gave Merrill all they could handle, however the Lady Jays were up to the challenge as they took the 67-60 victory.
At the beginning of the game Merrill struggled to get things going as head coach Joelene Weix pointed out saying, “A slow start for us. Rhinelander was on the offensive and we were a little on our heels. We got beat down the court early and did not play defense like I know we are capable of.”
Merrill would eventually settle in and get some buckets to take the lead before the half. The girls went into the break holding a 26-24 lead.
Coming out of halftime Merrill found some rhythm to their offense. “The girls settled down and were able to executed offensively.” Said coach Weix.
Merrill put up 41 second half points to Rhinelanders 36 on their way to the seven point win. The Bluejays offense ran very nicely with everyone getting shots as Merrill had four different players score double digits.
“We were sparked at different times by different players throughout the game with great defensive plays and offensive plays.” Adds coach Weix.
Merrill led offensively by Patience Pyan who had a solid game with 20 points, knocking down two of her six three point attempts. Pyan didn’t just score as she contributed everywhere grabbing nine rebounds, dishing out four assists, and taking four steals. Lindsey Casper shot very well making five of her nine shots for 15 points. Casper would also come up with four rebounds, one assist and a steal. Maddix Bonnell finished with 14 points and was a jack of all trades, getting seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Kate Peterson would end the game with 10 points to go along with her three rebounds and three steals.
The Lady Jays will see the court again on Friday as they play host to conference foe D.C. Everest with tip off at 7:15 p.m.