MENAHGA, Minn.– This game lived up to the billing of a battle between two girls basketball teams undefeated (5-0) in the Park Region Conference.
The Menahga Braves (9-0) outlasted the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines (6-3) 50-43 in Menahga Thursday night. A win that keeps Menahga 10-0 on the season and in sole possession of the top spot in the Park Region Conference at 6-0.
Both team played scrappy in the first half, with the halftime score tied up at 21.
The Wolverines show well at the free throw line. Going 13 of
Dreah Christiansen was held to just 9 points through the first 30 minutes of the game. In the final 6 minutes, she doubled that with some huge three point shots to finish with 18 and push Menahga ahead 45-43 in the closing minutes of the game.
With under 3 minutes to go in the game. Braves head coach Cody Pulju told his team to “lock in” and get stops. They did just that. Holding the Wolverines scoreless in the final three minutes of the contest.
Senior guard Ashley Pavek finished the game with a team-leading 11 points. Junior Payton Gravelle ended the game with 10 points, all coming in the second half.
“Great battle tonight in Menahga,” said Wolverine head girls basketball coach Jordan Cresap. “Our girls fought tough all throughout and scrapped defensively. I’m proud of our kids for experiencing adversity and not letting it affect our controllables. Things to fine tune as always but loved our effort tonight.”
Both teams showed off their physical advantages too. The Wolverines had length, which helped in the rebounding battle and using their length to get shots off around defenders. Countering for the Braves was their pure athleticism. Their high-motor created turnovers and turned them into fast break points and wore down their opponents at the end of the game.
Wadena-Deer Creek (6-4) will take the weekend off and return to PRC action Tuesday night with a home matchup against Pillager. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Menahga (10-0) turns right around to host Hinkley-Finlayson Friday night in Menahga. Tip-off is at 7:15 p.m. as the Braves continue their undefeated season.