Defense leads way for LHS girls' basketball

The Luverne Cardinals girls’ basketball team put the clamps on Jackson County Central in Jackson on Friday, Feb. 26.
The Cardinals held JCC to 11 points in the second half en route to a 61-37 victory over the Huskies.
“Our defensive execution was the determining factor in the game,” Luverne head coach TJ Newgard said.
The Huskies came into the game averaging 61 points per game and were coming off a game in which they scored 90 points.
“To hold a high-scoring team to 11 second half points is almost unheard of,” Newgard said. “Each and every girl played a part in the victory, from the starters to the players on the bench.”
Elizabeth Wagner posted a double-double for the Cardinals with a team-leading 21 points and 11 rebounds. Wagner also recorded six steals.
Christina Wagner recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. She also blocked four shots.
Elise Ferrell reached double figures with 10 points. Ferrell also dished out nine assists.
With the win over JCC, the Cardinals completed the regular season sweep against the Huskies.
The win improved Luverne’s overall record to 5-7 and snapped a three-game losing streak. They’ll be back in action on Tuesday, March 2, when they hit the road to take on the Marshall Tigers.
 
LHS 61
JCC 37
 
Points: E. Wagner 21; C. Wagner 15; Ferrell 10; Beyer 6
Rebounds: E. Wagner 11; C. Wagner 10;
Assists: Ferrell 9; Sehr 3
Steals: E. Wagner 6;
Blocks: C. Wagner 4; E. Wagner 2